Who painted Zhong Kui Supported by Ghosts?

Zhong Kui Supported by Ghosts was painted by Luo Ping in 1774-01-01.

Where can I see Zhong Kui Supported by Ghosts?

Zhong Kui Supported by Ghosts is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Zhong Kui Supported by Ghosts?

Zhong Kui Supported by Ghosts is associated with Chinese Orthodox School.

Artwork

Zhong Kui Supported by Ghosts

Luo Ping , 1774

Zhong Kui Supported by Ghosts is an unspecified painting by the Chinese Orthodox School artist Luo Ping. It dates from 1774 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Technique & Style

Luo Ping painted Zhong Kui Supported by Ghosts on silk around 1774 in China. The work is classified as a painting and depicts the legendary demon-queller Zhong Kui, a figure associated with the Tang dynasty, surrounded by spectral companions and rendered in a distinctive supernatural style. The Cleveland Museum of Art holds the piece in its collection (accession 1959.185).

History & Provenance

It entered the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it remains, having been acquired in 1959 under the accession number 1959.

The painting was created in 1774 by Luo Ping, a Chinese artist active during the Qing dynasty and known for his ghost subjects. It entered the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it remains, having been acquired in 1959 under the accession number 1959.185. The work exemplifies the supernatural theme associated with Zhong Kui, the famed exorcist figure, and was made in China, reflecting the artistic traditions of eighteenth-century Chinese painting. The available source does not contain information regarding specific exhibitions in which the work has been displayed.

Overview

Zhong Kui Supported by Ghosts, painted by Luo Ping in 1774, is part of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection. The composition centers on a leaf‑sparse tree whose gnarled branches frame a weary, round‑faced figure leaning on a staff. Two translucent, pale‑skinned apparitions hover nearby, their elongated hair suggesting a supportive presence. The ground is dotted with rocks and tufts of grass, creating a calm, almost meditative atmosphere.

Subject & Meaning

The work depicts Zhong Kui, a legendary demon‑queller in Chinese folklore, accompanied by spectral assistants. The figure’s tired posture and the ethereal helpers convey a moment of respite after a victorious exorcism, emphasizing the balance between human effort and supernatural aid. The sparse foliage and subdued landscape reinforce a sense of isolation and contemplation.

Context

Luo Ping, a member of the Yangzhou school, was known for his whimsical subjects and refined brush technique. This piece aligns with his interest in supernatural themes, a popular motif among literati artists who used mythic figures to explore moral and philosophical ideas. The painting’s quiet mood contrasts with more dynamic depictions of Zhong Kui found in contemporary works.