PAIR OF COLOUR WOODBLOCK PRINTS OF GODS EACH ACCOMPANIED BY FIVE BOYS AND QILIN. 年畫一對：門神 五個兒子麒麟. N.p. n.d. (1865-85) Pair of original colour woodblock prints. 52x30 cm. Paper.

A pair of late Qing dynasty prints, probably nianhua (New Year prints) showing two gods - possibly Gods of War, each accompanied by five boys, one of whom rides a mythical qilin.

The qilin is said to bring sons to a family and is also associated with Confucius and thus high scholarly achievement. The five boys refers to the five sons of the Five Dynasties scholar, Dou Yanshan. All five became outstanding scholars.

The two gods, each laden with weapons, can be viewed as protectors of the boys.

Thus the overall symbolism of the prints expresses a wish for sons who will become top scholars and bring wealth and respect to a family.

Such prints would be pasted on entrance doors at New Year to protect the family within from evil in the year ahead and to bring good fortune.

The prints long folded and with horizontal crease marks. Tears, some significant, to edges of prints.

The colours very fresh and bright due to said folding.

From the collection of a British missionary resident in Wuhan 1865-1885.