Antique Chinese Immortal Lu Dongbin, China, (16009)

Description

The ““Eight Immortals,” (Baxian or Pa Hsien) are superior Taoist folk heroes who became deities and achieved immortality by alchemy, asceticism, study or being canonized by a superior deity. They are the most represented figures in Chinese homes and temples. Most were probably actual people to whom extraordinary powers were attributed after death. All achieved immortality via a different route and continue to exist without aging. Since the 13^th century they have been viewed as a fun loving group, living in heavenly mountains and hills enjoying good food, wine, gambling and the opposite sex. Considered merciful benefactors of humanity, they represent the best of both worlds: In this world, they are spontaneous and fun loving, without worldly concerns or diseases; in the neither world, they can cure the sick, make themselves invisible, and carry out missions for the Jade Emperor. Each represents a different condition in life: poverty, wealth, aristocracy, age, youth, masculinity and femininity and represent the spectrum of life, such as scholars and soldiers and the strong and the lame.

This 17-18th century well carved large figure is Lu Donghin (also Lü Tung-Pin), the most celebrated Immortal. He is generally depicted with a hair whisk, which he uses to ride the clouds (symbolically on his chest) and a two-edged sword on his back to cut through greed, lust and sorrow. His image is found in many Taoist temples and many grottoes are dedicated to him on China’s sacred mountains. He is associated with medicine and the elixir of life and has power over evil spirits.

This fine carving is in excellent condition with a powerful presence.