方相氏fāng xiāng shì by 画师杉泽Fang Xiang Shi is a deity commonly believed in by the folk in the olden day
方相氏fāng xiāng shì by 画师杉泽Fang Xiang Shi is a deity commonly believed in by the folk in the olden days of ancient china to drive away epidemics and avoid evil spirits. He wears a bear skin, has four golden eyes, a black top and a red bottom, and holds a spear and a shield to ward off epidemics for the people.In the ancient court, the ritual to drive away the epidemic is called 傩nuó. In the Tang Dynasty, nuo became one of the military rites. Nuo was held three times a year, respectively in the spring, mid-autumn and winter. Nuo of eve of the Spring Festival is the grandest one. -- source link
#paintings#inspiration#mythology