Advanced-Scholar Chung K'uei Moving, Kung K'ai, Sung dynasty, Handscroll. The National Palace Museum, Taiwan

Kung K'ai (1222-1307), a native of Huai-yin in Kiangsu , was particularly fond of painting demons and the demon-queller Chung K'uei in a most unusual manner. Unfortunately, very few of his works survive. Although this work bears an old attribution to Kung K'ai, the style is different from that associated with him and is probably a painting by a Ming dynasty or later painter to which Kung K'ai's name has been attached. This handscroll shows Chung K'uei riding on a spotted deer leading a motley band of demons and spirits pulling a cart with his sister to be married off. The woman's dowry includes many auspicious objects that add to the festive mood of the painting. At the rear of the troupe are two demons holding a table on which is a large white cat with a black nose and tail tied by a string to the handle on top of a drawer. It is shown glaring at the burdened demon behind and probably part of the dowry being moved.