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 viewCollections
Gallery LabelThese 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.
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45-70/23