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Door God (Shentu)
Door God (Shentu)

Door God (Shentu)

Original Language Title神荼 鬱壘
CultureChinese
Datelate 19th-early 20th century
MediumWoodblock print; ink and colors on paper (hand painted)
DimensionsOverall: 31 inches (78.74 cm)
Credit LineBequest of Laurence Sickman
Object numberF88-44/422
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Door gods are assigned to watch all who enter the house. The door panels in a traditional house usually open inward, so that the paired gods stand facing each other. There are many different door gods, and the Chinese choose from many historical or fabled figures. Adding to the variety of prints in a home, certain types of gods were used on certain doors. For example, warriors like the ones in this print are delegated to guard a main gate that faces the street.

 

These two fearsome warriors are associated with Shentu and Yulei, the mythical guardians of the gate to the underworld. The area above the doorway features another protective image, the demon-destroying Zhong Kui.

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