Nezha 哪吒

Nezha is a beloved deity of Chinese mythology. He is often depicted as a protective and mischievous deity, and is commonly associated with protection against evil spirits and disasters.

Nezha is my favourite mythology personality because he is one of the few rebellious characters ever portrayed in traditional Chinese classics. I believe many Chinese young people can relate to his traumatic relationship with his father. I also love his feisty energy.

Nezha was a child born with supernatural powers and a destiny to overthrow the corrupt and cruel emperor. However, he got into trouble with the East Sea Dragon King and accidentally took the life of his son. Nezha’s father was furious; he didn’t protect or even try to understand Nezha. So Nezha killed himself to protect his family. As he carved up his own flesh and dismembered his bones he stated that ‘returning’ these to his parents settles his debt to them that his birth had created.

Soon after, a Taoist deity sought to return Nezha to life to complete his destiny, but his father attempted to sabotage this. When eventually brought back to life (with lotus stems and flower, which became his symbols), Nezha was so angry that he stood up to his father. Unfortunately, the pantheon of deities intervened to thwart his revenge.

In a society where filial piety is deeply ingrained, Nezha's story prompts reflection on the implications of such values on the well-being of children. Nezha reminds us not to lose touch with our innate rebellious energy in the face of societal expectations, urging us to question conventions and nurture our authentic selves.

I first created a single portrait of Ne Zha in linocut print.  Inspired by Chinese New Year picture (年画), a popular decoration in China to protect the household from the evils, I developed this into a 5-colour screen print.