Chinese Daoist Temple Scroll - Realm of the Dead

Up top, the immortals watch from clouds. Down below, matters are less pleasant.

This Daoist temple scroll of the Realm of the Dead comes from China and dates to the 18th century, ink on paper. Scrolls like it were hung in temples during rites for the dead, showing the judgment that awaits souls and reminding the living how conduct will be reckoned. A robed judge sits behind a long desk at the center, flanked by clerks and attendants. Four haloed figures stand on clouds along the top. Along the bottom, demons deal with the condemned in red and gray. It measures 27.6 inches wide and 77.5 high.

A reminder to settle your accounts.