The sculpture of Zhu Yi is an item that entered the museum in the first half of the 20th century. It is made of wood and consists of four removable parts: head, torso, stand with leg and separately right leg. It is a full-length figure of an old man with a long mustache and beard, leaning on his left leg. The face is kind, it seems that he is smiling, his eyes are deep-set, a sly look. The hair is pulled into a bun — this is a traditional hairstyle for the Chinese of the past centuries.
Zhu Yi means ‘red dress’. In late Chinese mythology, the helper of the god of literature, writing, bookishness and knowledge Wenchang was portrayed as an old man dressed in red. Wenchang was a very important god, passing exams for the office of a functionary depended on him. Zhu Yi and Kui Xing, whose name was translated as ‘the first star’, were the earthly representatives of Wenchang and were always depicted together with Wenchang. Earning an advanced degree depended on Zhu Yi, who peered over one’s shoulder during the exam and instructed on how to write correctly.
The myth of Zhu Yi is called “The Man in Red Dress.” It tells how Princess Tiai Yin once learned that a man named Lu Qi had the relics of the Immortal. She invited him to the palace and presented him with a challenge: either he becomes her husband and together they will enjoy endless life in the palace, or he takes over as minister of the emperor. It was announced that a messenger from heaven, Zhu Yi, had arrived at the palace, who wanted to make sure of the correct choice. And Lu Qi said, “My life has been dedicated to walking a certain path, accumulating knowledge, so I would like to become a minister.” He exchanged immortality for knowledge and became the chief minister, Zhu Yi helped him, and the emperor was very pleased with such an adviser.
From the story, it becomes clear that Zhu Yi appointed people to positions according to their knowledge. But sometimes he was considered as an intercessor for weak candidates. He helped people who come to the exam without sufficient knowledge, relying just on luck. If a person thought that he could not cope with the task, because he did not have enough knowledge, he was told: “Perhaps the Man in red dress will help you, who knows?”.
Zhu Yi means ‘red dress’. In late Chinese mythology, the helper of the god of literature, writing, bookishness and knowledge Wenchang was portrayed as an old man dressed in red. Wenchang was a very important god, passing exams for the office of a functionary depended on him. Zhu Yi and Kui Xing, whose name was translated as ‘the first star’, were the earthly representatives of Wenchang and were always depicted together with Wenchang. Earning an advanced degree depended on Zhu Yi, who peered over one’s shoulder during the exam and instructed on how to write correctly.
The myth of Zhu Yi is called “The Man in Red Dress.” It tells how Princess Tiai Yin once learned that a man named Lu Qi had the relics of the Immortal. She invited him to the palace and presented him with a challenge: either he becomes her husband and together they will enjoy endless life in the palace, or he takes over as minister of the emperor. It was announced that a messenger from heaven, Zhu Yi, had arrived at the palace, who wanted to make sure of the correct choice. And Lu Qi said, “My life has been dedicated to walking a certain path, accumulating knowledge, so I would like to become a minister.” He exchanged immortality for knowledge and became the chief minister, Zhu Yi helped him, and the emperor was very pleased with such an adviser.
From the story, it becomes clear that Zhu Yi appointed people to positions according to their knowledge. But sometimes he was considered as an intercessor for weak candidates. He helped people who come to the exam without sufficient knowledge, relying just on luck. If a person thought that he could not cope with the task, because he did not have enough knowledge, he was told: “Perhaps the Man in red dress will help you, who knows?”.
