Demon-conqueror Zhong Kui China Qing Dynasty, 1644-1911 Cast bronze 27.5 x 13 cm The figure of Zhong Kui is based on the legend of a talented trainee civil servant who was refused admission to the civil service due to his ugliness. After he had disembowelled himself out of grief, he was commissioned by the King of Hell to fight evil spirits and demons and has also protected against disease ever since.

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