According to legends, Zhong Kui 鍾馗 was a brilliant scholar. Although he achieved the highest score in the imperial examination, the emperor denied him the honorary title (狀元) because of his looks. In a fit of rage, he committed suicide. However, the King of Hell recognized his potential and tasked him with hunting evil spirits.

In the arts, Zhong Kui is often depicted wearing an official’s hat, with a bushy black beard, bulging eyes, and an angry expression. Sometimes he is wielding a sword, sometimes he is the dutiful brother giving his sister away as a bride. Woodblock printed images of him posted on doors protect shops and family homes, particularly during the New Year’s or Dragon Boat Festivals. Today, Zhong Kui also appears in video games hunting ghosts.

Curator

The exhibition is curated by Birgitta Augustin.

A temporary presentation of the Museum für Asiatische Kunst (Asian Art Museum) of the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin in Gallery 319 “Artists and Connoisseurs” at the Humboldt Forum.