Stove God and his Wife
Original Language Title灶君府
CultureChinese
Date1934
MediumWoodblock print; ink and color on paper
DimensionsOverall: 17 1/4 × 12 inches (43.82 × 30.48 cm)
Credit LineBequest of Laurence Sickman
Object numberF88-44/344
On View
Not on viewCollections
Gallery LabelTraditionally, the Chinese stove god is worshipped in the kitchen, where food is prepared for the entire family. The image of the god and his wife is hung above the stove, so they can observe everything that happens in the house that year. On a specific day before the lunar new year, the family burns the old print to send the god back to heaven, where he reports on the good and bad behaviors of the family. Because his words can determine the family fortune for the coming year, the Chinese often serve him with sweet cake so he will speak favorably of the family. Here, the colorful fruits on the table may serve the same purpose.
CopyrightThis work is copyrighted. Contact the copyright holder for permission to reproduce.
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