【A Parade of Ghosts and Gods】
Though both Taiwan and Japan belong to the Chinese character cultural sphere, they exhibit distinct ghost cultures. This exhibition presents two selected artifacts that explore ghostly imagery in Japanese culture, focusing on the concepts of Hyakki Yagyō (Night Parade of One Hundred Demons) and depictions of Zhong Kui, to illustrate the intertwined ghost beliefs of Taiwan and Japan.
Taiwanese calligrapher Zheng Yilin (1859-1927) from Lukang transcribed the Japanese poem Hyakki Yagyō as a gift to a Japanese friend, vividly portraying the "ghostly" imagery. In the Edo period, Hyakki Yagyō began to be named, written about, and illustrated, creating scenes that, while seemingly terrifying, also captured elements of humor and charm.
Moreover, Japan adapted the belief in Zhong Kui, focusing on his role in healing and exorcism, showcasing a unique interpretation distinct from traditional Chinese culture.