Skip to main content
Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
Vase
Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
© Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami. All rights reserved.

Vase

Dateca. 1675
Mediumporcelain, overglaze iron red and enamel
DimensionsOverall: 10 1/2 x 4 1/2 in. (26.7 x 11.4 cm)
ClassificationsContainers
Credit LineGift of Stephen Junkunc III
Terms
    Object number63.031.000
    DescriptionThere is no historical evidence for Zhongkui, the Demon Queller, although he is widely revered by both the Chinese and Japanese. He is the protector against evil spirits and is often shown either grasping or holding a demon or oni. He is considered to be the Recorder of Hell. He is also associated with the New Year festivities and the Dragon Boat festival in the fifth month. There is a story that in the third year of the Kai Yuan Period (716), the Tang emperor Ming Huang contracted malaria and was ill for nearly a month. One night, he dreamt he met two spirits, one big and other small. The small figure suddenly stole a sachet and jade lute belonging to the emperor. The larger figure chased and caught the smaller and retrieved the emperor's possessions. The emperor asked who he was and he responded Zongkui, a person who had failed the Imperial Examinations for military posts, and swore to exorcise all evil spirits around the world.
    On View
    Not on view
    Collections
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    early 19th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Maya (archaeological culture)
    ca. 600-900
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Artist Unknown
    18th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Artist Unknown
    ca. 200-250
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Artist Unknown
    late 19th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Duane Hanson
    1981
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    16th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Artist Unknown
    19th century