Scope and Contents

A print of this type is used in Chinese homes as a talisman. It shows Pangu, the mythological creator of the universe. In this image, he holds in his hands the sun (with yang symbol in ideograph) and the moon (with yin symbol in ideograph), for he created the universe by transforming yin and yang. An ax on a tree stump is an instrument believed to have been used by Pangu to separate earth and heaven.

Scope and Contents

Inscribed at the top of the print is Chiling (magic credentials from the folk cult of Taoism), supplemented with yin-yang (the dual principle in nature) and bagua (the eight trigrams) symbols. The main inscription, as magic words, reads: Lingfu chenche chuxie xifu (An amulet to dispel evil, to guard home, and to bestow good fortune).

Local Numbers

NAA MS 7322

NAA INV 10000049

Local Note

Data furnished by Chang-su Houchins, of the Department of Anthropology. She consulted Rita Aero, Things Chinese, 1980, and W. M. Hawley, Chinese Folk Designs, 1949.

Local Note

Woodcut print colored in red and green on oiled paper

Custodial History

Originally included in the ethnology collection without provenience data. Transferred to the archives from the ethnology collection, March 1986.