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Lot Essay
The central figure in this panel is recognizable as Zhong Kui, a very popular figure from Chinese mythology. Zhong Kui was a talented scholar who gained first place in the imperial examinations, but was nevertheless denied recognition or title for his achievement. In anger, he committed suicide and was thus condemned to be a ghost. However the King of Hell recognized his talents and placed him in charge of all ghosts. He became known as the “Demon-Queller”, and was frequently worshipped as a protective deity by travelers fearful of lonely roads. Zhong Kui is often depicted in paintings wearing the robes of a scholar, and accompanied by demon servants, as on the present panel.