New Year picture of equestrian door god Ma Dai
The bold, robust horse riders in these New Year posters depict Ma Chao (on the white horse) and Ma Dai (on the dark horse), celebrated warriors in Chinese popular literature who were renowned for their courage and strength. Traditionally placed on doors during the Lunar New Year, such images were believed to protect the household by warding off evil.
Artwork Details
- 20世紀初期 木版水印年畫三國演義人物馬岱
- Title: New Year picture of equestrian door god Ma Dai
- Artist: Unidentified artist(s) , Chinese, early 20th century
- Period: Republic period (1912‒49)
- Date: early 20th century
- Culture: China
- Medium: Polychrome woodblock print; ink and color on paper
- Dimensions: Image: 18 × 11 in. (45.7 × 27.9 cm)
- Classification: Prints
- Credit Line: Purchase, Bequest of Dorothy Graham Bennett, 1989
- Object Number: CP414
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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Unidentified artist(s) , early 20th century
early 20th century
Unidentified artist(s) , early 20th century
early 20th century
Unidentified artist(s) , early 20th century
early 20th century
Unidentified artist(s) , early 20th century
early 20th century
Unidentified artist(s) , early 20th century
early 20th century
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