The Demon Queller Zhong Kui Giving His Sister Away in Marriage 1271 - 1368

Yan Geng’s ink on paper scroll depicts the mythological figure Zhong Kui giving his sister away in marriage. Here, the demon queller is presented as a family man, participating in the ritual of marriage. In Chinese culture, marriage isn't just a union between two people, but a link between families, aimed at continuing the family line and maintaining social stability. Zhong Kui's act can be seen as upholding these Confucian values, bringing supernatural power into the fold of societal norms. The demons in his entourage, tamed and put to work, underscore this theme of order being imposed on chaos. To understand this piece, we can look at historical texts describing Zhong Kui, or research into the social customs around marriage in the culture and period of its creation. By examining such cultural and institutional contexts, we gain insight into the nuanced meanings embedded in the art.