The Six Deities of the Home
Artist
Chinese (Chinese)
Date
Circa 1930Medium
hand-colored woodblock printDimensions
Sheet : 10 1/2 in. high (26.67 cm)
Mat : 20 x 16 in. (50.8 x 40.64 cm)Credit Line
Gift of David Kamansky and Gerald WheatonObject Number
2014.23.72.6
Label
Not all Chinese New Year prints were made to be displayed. Some were used in Spring Festival rituals and then burned to activate the prayers and wishes they represent. This print depicting an assortment of benefactor and protector deities was probably made to be used in just such a ritual. With one relatively inexpensive image, even a poor family could take part in Spring Festival ceremonies and enjoy the hope of receiving blessings from the gods in the coming year.
