Zhong Kui (Shōki)Traditional Iconography Shoki, Warding Demon-Queller

SHOH-kee

Deities & Divine Spirits🏞️ rooftops of townhouses from Kyoto and the Kinki region to Chubu, alcoves and reception rooms of temples and private homes, seasonal displays for Tango no Sekku and New Year

Detailed Description

Shoki, a demon-quelling deity spread across East Asia from Tang dynasty lore, took root in Japan as a talismanic power against calamity and smallpox. He is depicted as a bearded martial figure in official robes and cap, glaring with fierce eyes and wielding a sword in one or both hands. He often appears hunting, trampling, or bagging small demons. At New Year and Boys’ Festival he is displayed on hanging scrolls, banners, and screens, and many townhouses placed ceramic Shoki figures on eaves or roof corners. In Japan the earliest examples trace back to late Heian apotropaic paintings; from the Muromachi period the theme became established, and by late Edo he also appeared as May Festival dolls. Images and figures were hung at entrances, gates, or the upper seat of reception rooms to stop plague deities and malign spirits. Although dedicated shrines are limited today, regional folk belief since early modern times continues, and rooftop Shoki statues are still found from Kinki through the Chubu region. His powers are symbolized by the subduing glare and swordplay that drive off evil sprites, functioning as amulets against drug harm and epidemics.

Source Information

種類全体の出典primary

京の鍾馗さん（屋根の鍾馗瓦の民俗）

著者: （京都の町家民俗・口碑）

年代: 江戸後期以降

出版社: （三条の薬屋の鬼瓦由来譚など、京都・近畿の屋根像習俗）

信頼度: B関連度: 高

京の鍾馗さん（屋根の鍾馗瓦の民俗）（オンライン）

種類全体の出典primary

夢渓筆談（補筆談）

著者: 沈括

年代: 北宋・元祐年間（1086-1093）ごろ

出版社: （鍾馗説話の現存最古級の記録。玄宗の瘧病・呉道子図を載せる）

信頼度: B関連度: 高

夢渓筆談（補筆談）（オンライン）

種類全体の出典primary

天中記（引『唐逸史』）

著者: 陳耀文編

年代: 明・万暦17年（1589）ごろ

出版社: （『唐逸史』の鍾馗説話を収め、終南進士・落第自害の筋を定型化）

信頼度: B関連度: 高

天中記（引『唐逸史』）（オンライン）

Personality

steadfast, righteous

Compatibility

shuns pestilence and evil sprites, protects household thresholds and gates

Abilities & Skills

⚡ banishment of evil sprites and plague deities⚡ apotropaic protection of the household gate through plaques scrolls and figures⚡ focus of prayers for recovery from illness⚡ patronage for academic success

Weaknesses

efficacy wanes without proper faith and rite, power is believed to diminish if images or statues are damaged

Collection Inclusion

This yokai is included in the following collections:

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注目

妖怪かっこいい妖怪