Figure: Zhong Kui

A fine Chinese bamboo carving of Zhong Kui, in the round, seated on a blanket on a donkey whose head is turned back, with two smaller figures, one seated on the donkey holding an alms container, the other in a climbing position on Zhong Kui’s back. 11” h. x 7 1/4” w, 19th century.

Bamboo is revered as a symbol of long life, constancy, and fidelity. Bamboo (Bambuse arundinacea) is the most difficult wood to carve. It is as hard as horn, although it is hollow and segmented. It is lustrous and it ranges in hue from lemon to black, with warm tones in cherry red, tortoise shell, and mahogany, as well as variegated hues.

The demon queller Zhong Kui plays an important role during the Dragon Boat Festival, when households place his image at the door to vanquish evil spirits. According to mythology, he was an 8th century scholar who had achieved top marks on the civil service examinations. However, his disfigured face repulsed the emperor and his honors were stripped. The emperor later bestowed him with the title of Demon Queller after Zhong Jui appeared in the emperor’s nightmare to rid his dream of ghosts.

Lot 48: An important signed bamboo carving of Zhong Kui, 17th century. Sotheby’s New York Sale NO8420: Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art. March 18, 2008. Lot 2669: A Bamboo carving of Zhong Kui Qing Dynasty. Sotheby’s Hong Kong sale HK0280: Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art. October 8, 2008. Lot 3045: A carved bamboo-root figure of Zhong Kui Qing Dynasty, 17th/18th century. Sotheby’s Hong Kong sale HK0407: A Private Collection of Scholarly and Imperial Works of Art. April 4, 2012.