Stove God and Wife
'Stove God and Wife'
Yangjiabu, Shandong
27 x 34 cm
modern reprint of early 20th century image
Compare this image to 'Stove God and God of Wealth'. Why is there an empty space at the top? How many of the same characters reappear and do you notice any that do not appear in figure 1?
As the introduction explains, it was the Stove God's duty to report to the Jade Emperor on the annual activities of the household. To assist him in making his report the Stove God keeps a staff of accountants who keep track of the good and bad deeds of the family.
How did the Stove God get to Heaven? Fire was the main conduit, but it was also widely believed that he was carried to Heaven on horseback. Stove God ceremonials often included providing hay for the horse and tossing dried beans on the roof to simulate the sound of the horse's hooves. That horse and his groom often appear in Stove God images.
