Monkey King Collection

Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, a fictional character in the classic novel "Journey to the West". Found in the Collection of the Kaiyuan-Tempel, Quanzhou

The Birth of the Monkey, 1922. Creator: Unknown
The Birth of the Monkey, 1922. The Monkey King, Sun Wukong, a legendary characters in the 16th-century Chinese novel Journey to the West vy Wu Cheng en with origins dating to Song dynasty

A Kathakali performance at Fort Kochi in Kerala, India. An actor gets his make-up before the play

The Return to China, 1922. Creator: Unknown
The Return to China, 1922. The Monkey King, Sun Wukong returns to China after encountering a series of eighty-one tribulations before returning safely to China in the 16th-century Chinese novel

Sun Steals Clothing for his Master, 1922. Creator: Unknown
Sun Steals Clothing for his Master, 1922. The Monkey King, Sun Wukong steals clothing for disguise in the 16th-century Chinese novel Journey to the West by Wu Cheng en

The Demons of Blackwater River Carry Away the Master, 1922. Creator: Unknown
The Demons of Blackwater River Carry Away the Master, 1922. A boat was sent by the Demon of Blackwater River to entrap the Monkey King

Sugriva Monkey King 1760-1770 South India Tanjore
Sugriva, the Monkey King, 1760-1770. South India, Tanjore, 18th century. Ink and color on paper; overall: 35.5 x 23.5 cm (14 x 9 1/4 in.)

Guan Yin Gorge Park in a long exposure, with an actor in Monkey King costume sitting on the bridge, waiting for visitors, Lijiang, Yunnan, China, Asia

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"The Monkey King: A Mythical Journey from India to China" A Kathakali performance at Fort Kochi in Kerala, India transports us back in time to witness the captivating tale of the Monkey King. This legendary character, known as Hanuman in Hindu mythology and Sun Wukong in Chinese folklore, has left an indelible mark on both cultures. In 1922, an unknown creator depicted pivotal moments of this epic saga. "The Return to China" showcases the Monkey King's triumphant homecoming after his adventures with Buddhist monk Xuanzang. In "Sun Steals Clothing for his Master, " we witness his mischievous nature as he aids his master on their perilous journey. However, not all encounters were joyful. "The Demons of Blackwater River Carry Away the Master" depicts a moment of despair when our hero faces formidable foes. Yet amidst adversity, hope prevails as seen in "The Birth of the Monkey. " Here we witness how Sun Wukong's extraordinary powers are born. "Buddhists as Slaves in Slow-Carts Country" sheds light on a darker aspect of this tale where Buddhists face enslavement. It serves as a reminder that even mythical beings must confront societal injustices. Across continents and centuries, the legend endures. The Kathakali performances at Fort Kochi immerse audiences into this enchanting world repeatedly - each rendition breathing new life into ancient tales. Meanwhile, South India's Tanjore reveals its artistic prowess through Sugriva Monkey King's portrayal during 1760-1770. Guan Yin Gorge Park captures our imagination with its long-exposure photograph featuring an actor donning the iconic Monkey King costume on a bridge at Lijiang, Yunnan province in China. As visitors approach him eagerly awaiting their turn for interaction or photographs, they become partakers in this timeless narrative. "The Monkey King.