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Door God

Original Language Title神荼 鬱壘
Original Language TitleShentu
CultureChinese
Datelate 19th-early 20th century
MediumWoodblock print; ink and colors on paper (hand painted)
DimensionsOverall: 29 1/2 × 18 1/8 inches (74.93 × 46.04 cm)
Credit LineBequest of Laurence Sickman
Object numberF88-44/410
On View
Not on view
Collections
Gallery Label

These prints were made in a town called Yangliuqing in northern China, where the printing workshops created the highest quality prints in the country. They are made from multiple woodblocks to create outlines and basic colors. Their lush appearance comes from the final touch of hand-painted colors. These two guardians, pictured as warriors, are holding halberds or axe-like weapons. They are said to be Shentu and Yulei, the mythical guardians of the gate to the underworld.


Information about a particular artwork or image, including provenance information, is based upon historic information and may not be currently accurate or complete. Research on artwork and images is an ongoing process, and the information about a particular artwork or image may not reflect the most current information available to the Museum. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about a particular artwork or image, please e-mail provenance@nelson-atkins.org.


Door God (Yulei)
late 19th-early 20th century
F88-44/418
Door God (Shentu)
late 19th-early 20th century
F88-44/422
Door Gods (Shentu and Yulei)
late 19th-early 20th century
F88-44/423
Tray
45-70/23
Skeletal Rock Dandelion at Right
Hu Zhengyan
ca. 1633
74-34/1 J
recto overall
Hu Zhengyan
ca. 1633
74-34/7 B
recto overall
Gao You
ca. 1633
74-34/5 D
Bird in Flight and Falling Petals
Ling Yunhan
ca. 1633
74-34/16 D
recto overall
Gao Yang
ca. 1633
74-34/12 B
recto overall
Hu Zhengyan
ca. 1633
74-34/7 C