2-325-297 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

'Shoki and Attendant Demons', 1898. Fom a kakemono by Kawanabe Kyôsai. Zhong Kui (Shoki) is a figure of Chinese mythology. Traditionally regarded as a vanquisher of ghosts and evil beings, and reputedly able to command 80,000 demons, his image is often painted on household gates as a guardian spirit, as well as in places of business where high-value goods are involved. Plate taken from The Studio magazine, volume 15, no 67 (London, 15th October 1898).