Step aside Spider Man, Zhong Kui the Demon Hunter is here!  This remarkable Chinese porcelain figural group depicts the legendary “Demon Hunter and King of the Ghosts” Zhong Kui and his loyal friend Du Ping.  As legend has it, Zhong Kui took the imperial exams, and despite achieving very high scores he was stripped of his honors because of his grotesque appearance.  He was so dishonored and ashamed that he committed suicide, but while in Hell the injustice done to Zhong Kui was acknowledged and his skills were recognized and he was named King of the Ghosts and Demon Hunter and given supernatural abilities to protect all humans from these malevolent spirits.  To this day his image is hung on doors of homes and businesses to protect against ghosts and demons. He is depicted here with his devoted sidekick in wonderful form and expression, beautifully enameled and in very good condition. Measuring 6 1/2″ tall by 3 1/2″ wide and dating to the late 18th/early 19th century.  You’ll feel safer just having him in your home.