God of Wealth Increasing Blessings
Original Language Title增福財神 清末民初
CultureChinese
Datelate 19th-early 20th century
MediumWoodblock print; ink and color on paper
DimensionsOverall: 18 1/8 × 12 1/4 inches (46.04 × 31.12 cm)
Credit LineBequest of Laurence Sickman
Object numberF88-44/337
On View
Not on viewCollections
Gallery LabelThis altar gives offerings to the god of wealth, one of the most popular gods in China. During the Lunar New Year celebration, Chinese families welcome the wealth god with ceremonies at the domestic shrine. They display new couplets—the positive words written on the red-colored paper as shown here, light incense and candles, and burn paper money. In return for the offering, the god may bring the family wealth. This hope for wealth can also be seen in the blocks of gold and coins, the wish-granting scepter and the treasure urn that can multiply riches.
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