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2007.041.001 A-H : set of painted ceramic figurines of the eight Chinese Immortals. Each approximately 12" in height. The Eight Immortals are Taoist representations of historical figures who have attained immortality. A: identified as Chung Li-ch'uan, able to revive the souls of the dead with a magic fan. He is depicted as a beaded figure wearing a red, open robe with a fan attached at his waist. B: identified as elder Chang Kuo-Lao, who rides a magical white horse and carries a fish-drum. Depicted as a white-bearded figure wearing a hat, gold and red robe, holding a gray fish-drum. C: identified as Lu Tung-Pin, who carries a magic sword and is the patron saint of barbers. Depicted wearing a dark green robe and holding a sword under his left arm, two fingers extended on his right hand. D: identifed as Ts-ao Kuo-chui, venerated by theatrical performers; depicted wearing dark green court dress and carrying a pair of castanets. E: identifed as Li T'ieh-Kuahi, a disciple of Lao Tzu whose spirit, after visiting the celestial regions, was forced to take on the physical form of a beggar with a lame leg. Depicted bare-chested in beggar's robes, with a crutch and gold-colored gourd, and a blue band around his forehead. F: identified as Han Hsiang-tzu, the philosopher. Depicted wearing dark blue robe, black and gold hat, and carrying a fly whisk. G: identified as Lan Ts-ai-ho, gender ambigious, depicted wearing an orange robe and carrying a basket of flowers. Patron saint of gardeners. H: identified as Ho Hsien-ku, whose immortality is as a result of her diet of mother-of-pearl. She is depicted wearing a red robe decorated with flower motifs, and carries a long-stemmed lotus and a long-stemmed lotus leaf. ------------------------------------ Further information, see Aero, Rita, 1980. Things Chinese. Garden City, NY: Doubleday & Company, Inc., page 90.

2007.041.001