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The Official of Heaven Bestows Blessings

Tags: blessing | print

Legend has it that the Official of Heaven bestows blessings; the Official of Earth absolves crimes; and the Official of Water removes misfortunes. The three Officials of Heaven, Earth, and Water together are called “The Three Emperor-Officials” or “Lords of Three Spheres.” Because the Official of Heaven in charge of bestowing blessings is a widely welcomed deity, people praise and depict him in diverse ways. His affable smile is present everywhere as it represents people’s wishes for blessings and happiness. Though we call it praying for blessings, in effect it conveys the meaning of urging people to perform good deeds and accumulate virtue. This decorative painting is used on doors.

 

Printmaking
51.5 x29.5 cm

National Museum of History