Martial God of Wealth (Guandi)
'Martial God of Wealth (Guandi)'
Yangjiabu, Shandong
29 x 47 cm
modern reprint of early 20th century image
Traditionally the Chinese state was divided between civil administrators and martial, or military administrators. Since the gods too are often organized into an official hierarchy the civil and military distinctions may also apply to them. The gods of wealth, in particular, are divided between the civil gods of wealth and the martial gods of wealth. Best know among the martial gods of wealth was the semi-historical figure Guan Yu or 'Lord Guan' (Guandi). Lord Guan lived in China's Three Kingdoms period, and became famous through the historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Later he was recognized as the God of War by the imperial state, and as a spiritual patron by the merchant class. The combination of his multiple identities thus produced this 'Martial God of Wealth'.
copyright 2003
