Title
Chinese woodblock print depicting a Military Door God
Year/Period
Mid 1940s-mid 1960s
Region
Guangdong, China
Material
Technique
Dimension
Image size: 61 x 33.8 cm,
Image size: H73.6 x W40.8 cm (Mount)
Image size: H73.6 x W40.8 cm (Mount)
Accession No.
2010-00959
Collection of
This print depicts a Military Door God dressed like a general. The banners he carries on his back are props used by army generals in Chinese operas to give the impression of power. Prints of Military Door Gods are usually modelled after famous heroes, but some may just depict a general-like figure, such as those seen in Chinese operas. The print is pasted facing another one to prevent spirits from passing through the doors. The Chinese character ‘ji’ (记) written here, together with the character ‘bao’ （保）, in the other print belonging to the same pair refers to the production house named ‘bao-ji’ (保记). The bright orange background is common in prints from Guangdong and Fujian.
