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Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
Guandi, God of War
Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
© Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami. All rights reserved.

Guandi, God of War

Date16th century
Mediumbronze
DimensionsOverall (On Stand): 20 3/4 × 13 × 8 in. (52.7 × 33 × 20.3 cm)
ClassificationsVisual Works
Credit LineGift of William Luban
Terms
    Object number59.084.000
    DescriptionGuandi was the historic military hero, Guan Yu, who lived during the latter part of the Han dynasty (207 BCE - 220 CE). A native of Xiezhou in Shantung province, he was one of three total strangers who became sworn brothers and fought to restore the tottering Han Dynasty. The leader of the three brothers, Liu Bei, who claimed descent from the Han imperial family, eventually became ruler of the Lesser Han dynasty during the Three Kingdoms period (220-265). Guan Yu was posthumously ennobled as a Duke in the twelfth century and eventually deified in 1594. In folktales, he is a protector and one who uses his strength to avoid war; hence is worshipped by all. In the famous fourteenth century epic novel, Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Guan Yu continually exhibits absolute righteousness, dignity, and loyalty. As the God of War, he stands against evil and is the ultimate symbol for justice, honesty, and integrity. As a result of his popularity, he ultimately found his way into shrines and temples.
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