Zhongkui

Watercolour and ink painting of Zhongkui, king of ghosts in Chinese folklore, produced for the lunar New Year. The painting is adhered to a long scroll of heavy paper covered with white silk, attached to a wood scroll bar. A brown ribbon is attached at top. The image shows Zhongkui holding a staff or sword, with a black tiger to his right, its tail wraped around to the left. Two attendants stand behind either shoulder. Zhongkui wears a grey and black belted robe, and an elaborate headdress.