About ZhongKui.org

Our mission

Zhong Kui has protected Chinese households for more than a thousand years, yet English-language resources on him are scattered and often contradictory. ZhongKui.org gathers his legend, art, folklore and modern appearances in one place and explains them clearly for readers who are new to the subject.

What you will find here

• The legend: from the Tang scholar to Emperor Xuanzong's dream
• Name and symbols: what 钟馗 means and how to read the sword, bats and robes
• Legacy: classical art and folk traditions
• The painting gallery: more than a hundred works by Chinese masters
• Games featuring Zhong Kui, and free wallpapers

How we research

Articles draw on museum collection records, scholarly reference works and the classical texts that preserve the legend, and each guide lists further reading. Because Zhong Kui lives in many versions of the story, we try to say which version we are telling, and to separate what is attested from what is later embellishment. If you spot an error, please write to us and we will correct it.

Images and rights

The gallery presents Zhong Kui paintings for research and education. Where we know a work's date, medium and collection we show them; where we do not, we say so rather than guess. We do not claim ownership of any artwork. If you hold the rights to an image and would like it credited or removed, contact us and we will act promptly. The wallpapers we offer for download are original designs made for this site.

Independence and funding

ZhongKui.org is an independent project, not affiliated with any museum, game studio or publisher it mentions. The site is funded in part by advertising, which is always labelled, and may offer optional products in future. Advertising never influences what we write. Details are in our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.

Contact

Corrections, image requests and questions are welcome at [email protected].