Japan: 'Shoki (Zhong Kui) (Extermination of Evil)'. Handscroll painting, 12th century. This artwork was part of a set of five hanging scrolls entitled 'Extermination of Evil', depicting benevolent deities who expel demons of plague. This scroll was originally part of a handscroll known as the 'Second edition of the Masuda family Hell Scroll', which was cut into sections after World War II. The text on the scroll explains the acts of the god in exterminating evil. Shoki (Zhong Kui) is a legendary Chinese deity who protected Emperor Xuanzong of Tang from evil demons.

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Part of a set of five hanging scrolls entitled 'Extermination of Evil', depicting benevolent deities who expel demons of plague. This scroll was originally part of a handscroll known as the 'Second edition of the Masuda family Hell Scroll' before being cut into sections after World War II. The text on the scroll explains the acts of the god in exterminating evil. Shoki is a legendary Chinese deity who protected Emperor Xuanzong of Tang from evil demons. He is depicted with large eyes and a thick beard wearing a black robe, wide hat and boots. The set of five scrolls has been designated as a National Treasure of Japan in the category 'Paintings'.

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Size: 5600px × 3214px
Photo credit: © Pictures From History / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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