Artwork
The Lantern Night Excursion of Zhong Kui
The Lantern Night Excursion of Zhong Kui is an unspecified painting by the Ming dynasty painting artist Yan Hui. It dates from 1288 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
You see a long scroll of demons in ragged clothes dancing, juggling, and beating drums under a full moon.
You see a long scroll of demons in ragged clothes dancing, juggling, and beating drums under a full moon. Their faces are exaggerated, almost like masks, and their muscles bulge as they perform tricks.
This painting shows a real New Year’s tradition from southeast China. Poor people dressed as demons would parade through towns to scare away bad luck. The artist turned a street ritual into a wild, lively scene.
If you like this, look up *china, yuan dynasty (1271-1368)* for more paintings from the same time.
Overview
The Lantern Night Excursion of Zhong Kui is a painting depicting a nocturnal procession led by the legendary demon queller Zhong Kui, accompanied by a group of muscular, demon-faced street entertainers performing various stunts.
Subject & Meaning
The scene represents a traditional New Year's custom in southeast China, where impoverished individuals disguised as demons would parade through streets to symbolically cleanse households of evil spirits and usher in spring.
Technique & Style
The painting features exaggerated, mask-like facial expressions and emphasized muscular physiques, set against a nighttime backdrop, likely illuminated by a full moon. The composition unfolds from right to left, highlighting the dynamic energy of the procession.
History & Provenance
Attributed to the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), this work reflects the artistic and cultural practices of its time, though specific details about its creation and ownership history are not provided.
Context
The artwork draws from a regional folk tradition, transforming a street ritual into a vibrant, fantastical scene. Its themes of purification and renewal are central to the depicted New Year's custom.
Legacy
While the painting's direct influence is not detailed, it remains a notable example of Yuan Dynasty art, offering insight into both the period's aesthetic sensibilities and the enduring cultural significance of traditional Chinese New Year practices.
Artist & collection
Artist
Yan Hui (simplified Chinese: 颜辉; traditional Chinese: 顏輝; pinyin: Yán Huī; Wade–Giles: Yen Hui); was a late 13th-century Chinese painter who lived during the Southern Song and early Yuan dynasties.
