Zhong Kui

Zhong Kui in a painting by 20th century Chinese painter Pu Xinyu

• Chinese/Japanese: 鍾馗 (Zhōng Kuí / Shôki)

Zhong Kui is a mythical or legendary figure in Chinese folk belief. Known as "Zhong Kui the demon queller," paintings or other representations of him were popular means of warding off evil. In 20th century China, Zhong Kui also came to be a representation or expression of a desire to ward off "demons" or evil in the forms of Japanese invaders or Communists.

Shôki, as he is known in Japan, has been a popular figure in Japan as well since the Muromachi period. He is frequently seen not only in Japanese paintings, but also as a guardian figure sculpted in ceramic roof tile and placed at the corner of rooftops.