Dong Zhiyi's paintings portraying Zhong Kui. Photos: Courtesy of the artist

Zhong Kui, known as "the ghost catcher" in Chinese mythology, has been fascinating Chinese people for almost 1,300 years - since the Tang Dynasty (618-907) in fact. And from that time until now, images of Zhong Kui can be seen adorning gates, living rooms and offices - all with the purpose of exorcising ghosts and driving away bad spirits.

Dong Zhiyi, a 64-year-old Shanghainese painter has been illustrating Zhong Kui for almost 30 years. For Dong, Zhong Kui, is not just a fearsome character equipped with strong arms and a posse of ferocious animals (tigers, leopards and vicious dogs), but is also a character who is seen alongside birds, fairies and beautiful women.

"I want to create a more 'gentle and harmonious Zhong Kui' for our society," Dong told the Global Times. "For me, the image of a ghost hunter doesn't always have to be a ferocious person with dangerous weapons; he can also be a benevolent character with a kind countenance and someone who is amiable. In this way he is not dissimilar to an average person, and this image fits well with the demands of a harmonious society," said Dong. Until July 30, a selection of Dong's Zhong Kui paintings are being exhibited at the Shanghai-styled Painting and Calligraphy Institute in Lujiabang Road.

As the story goes, Zhong Kui was once a ghost himself. It was said that Wu Daozi, a royal painter in the reign of Emperor Xuanzong during the Tang Dynasty created the earliest image of Zhong Kui. The image Wu created was inspired by a dream Xuanzong had. One day, when Xuanzong was ill in bed, he dreamt of two ghosts, the bigger one chasing the smaller one who believed that it was his duty to rid the world of all evil spirits. After Xuanzong awoke, to his surprise, he had been cured of his illness. He therefore ordered Wu to create a picture of the hunter to show the general populace in order to protect people from evil forces.

"After Wu, the image of Zhong Kui went through big changes at the hands of different painters in different generations," Dong said. "His representatives in ancient China include Gao Qipei (1660-1734) and Wen Zhengming (1470-1559). And in modern society, the style of Zhong Kui painting is mainly divided into two schools: the Shanghai style in the south of China and the Northern style in the north of China."

Dong told the Global Times that - just like most Chinese ink paintings - the south Zhong Kui style is exquisite and delicate, whereas the northern style tends to be bolder and rougher.

However, Dong emphasized that although his Zhong Kui paintings belong to the Shanghai style, he has always tried to create his own unique features. "As well as a more gentle Zhong Kui, I've also added some comic elements to the character with vivid facial expressions and changeable gestures," said Dong. "And unlike traditional Zhong Kui paintings, that are often dark, cold and monochrome, I use brighter colors."

Date: Until July 30, 9 am to 6 pm

Venue: Shanghai-styled Painting and Calligraphy Institute

Add: Rm 2504, No.5, Lane 413 Lujiabang Road 陆家浜路413弄5号2504室

Admission: Free

Call 6473-7609 for details