Minneapolis Institute of Art

Snuff bottle

China

Date

1920

Medium

Crystal, jade

Department

Asian Art

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

Zhong Kui is a deity in Daoist mythology who tames demons. Here, he rides on a donkey, accompanied by his sister, who sits in a carriage pulled by demons. She has recently married, and they are journeying together to her new husband’s home. Kui is a historical figure of the Tang dynasty. After his death he vowed to rid the world of mischievous demons, and was reputedly able to command 80, 000 of them. Images of Zhong Kui were often believed to act as protection against demons. China, Asia

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