【New Product Launch】LuzMade - Taiwanese Temple Guard Generals Aromatic Ink - Refill Pack, Taiwanese Red

Taiwanese Local Specialty Ink This is an aromatic ink, available in two types: one in its original color without glitter, and another with glitter. If you choose the glitter option, please use with caution for dip pens, calligraphy nibs, fountain pens with high ink flow, or water brushes. Both types are suitable for writing and drawing. Ink Volume: 50ml Type: Original Color Color: Taiwanese Red Origin: Taiwan #LuzMade #GoldenLight #TempleGuardGenerals #官將首 #Temple Guard Generals The Temple Guard Generals, originally known as the "Eight General Leaders," feature two guardian deities, Zeng and Sun, symbolizing "The Leaders of All Generals." Legend has it that their origin traces back to the Dizang Temple in Xinzhuang, Taipei. During Taiwan's post-war period, this area was a mass grave where restless spirits often caused disturbances. A temple dedicated to the Great Lord was established to manage these spirits, and Bodhisattva Dizang was invited to pacify them. The two generals, Zeng and Sun, were originally demons causing harm to humans. After being subdued by Bodhisattva Dizang, they repented and became guardian generals to Bodhisattva Dizang, akin to detectives in the underworld who apprehend and bring to justice any ghosts causing trouble in the human realm. Furthermore, the two generals inspect the good and evil deeds of humans. General Zeng, also known as "Ghost King of Increased Fortune," has a red face and fangs; he bestows longevity and good fortune upon the virtuous. General Sun, also known as "Ghost King of Decreased Fortune," has a green face and fangs; he reduces the lifespan of wicked individuals. Today, they have evolved into folk art performances in religious processions. The Temple Guard Generals, wearing helmets resembling those of Erlang Shen, adorn their faces with false eyebrows, long sideburns, and fangs, displaying a fearsome appearance. Their costumes are inspired by ancient general imagery, divided into shoulder armor, chest armor, and skirt armor. Some are adorned with dragon patterns, while others are based on traditional glove puppetry costumes. They first put on leg coverings made from traditional theater influences before wearing straw sandals. During processions, believers paint their faces and carry various implements to portray them. Their formations are always in odd numbers; originally consisting of the two generals, Zeng and Sun, the number has increased to between three and nine, with five being the most common. In formations featuring the green-faced, fanged Temple Guard Generals, General Sun, the Ghost King, sits in the center holding a trident spear, guarding the main deity. To his left and right stand General Zeng, who splits into two, each holding a fire whip and a tiger token. This forms the original three-person group. Larger processions may include deities such as the Yin-Yang Officials, Judges, Guide Boys, White Crane Master, Tiger-Head Cleaver, and Five Ghosts. Before a procession, a shaman must first cleanse the generals, and invite divine protection. Subsequently, General Sun receives the command flag from the Yin-Yang Officials. Their movements mimic the majesty of an army, employing a "two steps light, one step heavy" gait, with a forceful stomp every three steps to intimidate demons and ghosts. After receiving the command flag, Generals Zeng and Sun perform a ritual of "three advances and three retreats" for troop inspection before proceeding with the tour. Upon conclusion, they re-enter the temple after crossing fire, perform another "three advances and three retreats" ritual to dismiss the troops, return the command flag, and then disperse after the deities depart. This completes the ritual of the Temple Guard Generals mobilizing and withdrawing. In their formation, besides the "three advances and three retreats" for troop inspection, when paying respects to the temple, the one holding the trident spear erects it upright, while Generals Zeng and Sun on either side perform the "three-step praise" gait characteristic of the Temple Guard Generals as a sign of respect. Due to their smaller numbers, the inheritance of the Temple Guard Generals' tradition is relatively convenient and is most popular in Northern Taiwan. When formulating this ink, the aim was to represent Taiwan's signature color through the image of the Temple Guard Generals, reminiscent of the color left on fingertips after burning incense, the hue of red turtle cakes, the pink of glutinous rice balls during the Winter Solstice, the pink of plastic bowls, the floral patterns of Far Eastern Textile factories, and the common Spring Flower hairpins. This color is prevalent in everyday life, truly a color that belongs to Taiwan. The addition of sandalwood fragrance aims to bring peace to the mind while writing, evoking cherished memories. Shipping Information: *For islands, remote areas, and mountainous regions, delivery will be made via postal service as express delivery is not applicable. This includes Taiwan's outlying islands such as Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu; and on Taiwan island, locations like shopping centers, transit stations, air force bases, prisons, highway service areas, and other public institutions, as well as mountainous and remote areas such as Ren'ai Township and Xinyi Township in Nantou County, where express delivery is not available. *Delivery times to islands, remote areas, and mountainous regions may be slightly delayed due to factors such as transportation, weather, or postal service inconvenience. Please Note: For personal reasons such as impulse purchases, style incompatibility, dislike of color, no longer needing the item after viewing, or differences between the material and imagination, etc., that are not due to product defects, we are unable to accept returns. Consumers considering personal reasons are advised to visit physical stores or department stores for their purchases to avoid unnecessary disputes. For returns or exchanges, please follow the instructions below. Thank you for your cooperation. https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xvkAZ-FEP7I/WiEJsKFk9pI/AAAAAAAAeak/CgzkMiUc3WYbNES3G2eQuOKRcoJklWsNwCLcBGAs/s1600/20160630121200044.jpg