Zhong Kui the Demon Queller with Five Bats
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Zhong Kui the Demon Queller with Five Bats is a popular Chinese painting featuring the Chinese mythological spirit Zhong Kui. It originates from the Ming dynasty (1368–1644). A possible painter for this artwork is Wu Wei. The painting is held in the Ashmolean Museum in England.
Description
[edit]The picture features Zhong Kui, accompanied by two of his demon followers. The demons are holding a vase and Zhong Kui holds a scepter while looking up at five bats flying in the sky. In Chinese symbolism, the five bats represent five blessings: health, longevity, virtue, wealth, and a graceful death. In the background is a forested mountain surrounded by a heavy mist.