We are fairly certain that this fierce looking dignitary on a mythological creature, which looks like a dragon, is the famous demon slayer Zhong Kui. His demon-repelling sword has gone but the small cup in his left hand points at him because he was known of having become drunk on various occasions. Zhong Kui also wore official’s clothes and the ornate hat of this figure looks very official. We have little doubt that this statue originally was positioned at a house door and prevented ghosts from entering. In its back are two cavities which once held sacred protective formulas and gave the statue power. It dates from around 1780 and was acquired in Hong Kong in 2005. Height 48 cm. Width 22 cm.