Ghostbuster: Zhong Kui, der Geisterjäger

Museum für Asiatische Kunst, Schloßplatz 1, 10178, Berlin

March 18, 2026 – September 28, 2026

Legend has it that Zhong Kui 鍾馗 was a brilliant scholar. Although he was first in the imperial civil service examination, the emperor refused him this honorary title (狀元) because of his appearance. Out of anger, he took his own life. However, the Hell King realized his potential and instructed him to hunt down evil spirits. In art, Zhong Kui is often depicted as having officer hat, bushy black beard, protruding eyes, and angry facial expression. Sometimes he swings a sword, sometimes he is the dutiful brother who marries his sister. Woodcuts with him on front doors protect shops and family homes especially for the New Year or Dragon Boat Festival. Today, Zhong Kui also appears hunting ghosts in video games.