Monkey Steals the Banana Leaf Fan
'Monkey Steals the Banana Leaf Fan
(Journey to the West)'
Fengxiang, Shaanxi
51 x 35 cm
modern reprint of early 20th century image
The three heroes Monkey (the Monkey King), Pigsy, Sandy, and the monk Xuanzang were travelling to India to obtain Buddhist sutras. On their way they passed by a place called Fire Mountain where the heat was so unbearable that all the people were fleeing for their lives. Monkey learned that only the magical banana leaf fan of Princess Iron Fan could subdue the heat. After several attempts he finally succeeded by transforming himself into the likeness of the Ox King.