This framed wall hanging features the clay sculpture of Zhong Kui, the famous Chinese Ghost Catcher.  Hand cast and hand painted in a red gown, Zhong is holding his sword in a Kongfu stance, ready to strike the evil spirits. 

According to the legend, Zhong Kui travelled with a friend from his hometown, to take part in the imperial examinations at the capital. Although Zhong achieved the top honor in the exam, the emperor did not give him the title of "Zhuang Yuan" (meaning top scholar) for his  ugly appearance.   In anger, Zhong Kui committed suicide upon the palace steps.   His hometown friend Du Ping buried him.   After Zhong became king of ghosts in Hell, to repay Du Ping's kindness, Zhong Kui married his younger sister to Du.

Zhong Kui's popularity in folklore can be traced to the reign of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang (712~756). According to Song Dynasty sources, once the Emperor Xuanzong was gravely ill. He had a dream in which he saw two ghosts. The smaller of the ghosts stole a purse from imperial consort Yang Guifei and a flute belonging to the emperor. The bigger ghost, wearing the hat of an official, captured the smaller ghost.  The bigger ghost then introduced himself as Zhong Kui. He said that he had sworn to rid the empire of evil. When the emperor awoke, he had recovered from his illness.