Heavenly Official and Five Children
Original Language Title五子登科 清末民初
CultureChinese
Datelate 19th-early 20th century
MediumWoodblock print; ink and color on paper
DimensionsOverall: 24 1/2 × 15 1/4 inches (62.23 × 38.74 cm)
Credit LineBequest of Laurence Sickman
Object numberF88-44/411
On View
Not on viewCollections
Gallery LabelComplementing the martial door gods are these heavenly officials, who dress in the attire of imperial civil officials. They are assigned to watch the entrances of various rooms inside the house, where the doors are often beautifully designed with openwork like the wood panel here. These officials present symbolic objects that will bring wealth and honor to the rooms. Specifically, the official on the top print presents a scroll inscribed with blessings; the center pair presents a fish and a peach that symbolize prosperity and longevity; and the bottom pair amplifies the blessings with five children, each holding a lucky symbol.
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