Zhong Kui
Zhōng Kui ( Chinese 鍾 馗 , simplified Chinese 钟 馗 , jp. Shōki) is a legendary demon slayer in China.
description
Zhōng Kui is said to have failed the Chinese state examination with great achievement, whereupon he took his own life. The gods, who otherwise would not take back a suicide, were lenient and gave him life back, with the stipulation that they now defeat demons who want to plunge people into misery. He is always shown with a wild beard, thick robe and sturdy boots.
The Chinese painter Wu Daozi (吴 道 子, 680 – approx. 760) is said to have created the first depiction of the Zhōng Kui. In Japan, Zhung Kuei first appeared on the scrolls "Jigoku zoshi" (地獄 草紙) in the 12th century.
The Japanese Nō -drama Kōtei shows how Zhōng Kui destroys the demon who made the mistress of Emperor Xuanzong sick. The legend is widespread that the emperor himself was attacked by demons.
literature
- S. Noma (Ed.): Shō Ki . In: Japan. An Illustrated Encyclopedia. Kodansha, 1993, ISBN 4-06-205938-X , p. 1408.