Offered by Menken Works of Art
A lacquered wood figure of Li Tieguai.
Qing dynasty, 18th/19th century.
The bearded emaciated standing immortal with one raised leg is carved holding in his left hand his crutch and in his right a double gourd, his flowing robes cascading over his shoulders and legs in unrestrained pleats, secured by a ribbon tied below his lean angular chest and complemented by a belt of leaves, the partially bald head with long hair flowing along the sides and back.
The style of carving is reminiscent of Chinese Ming bronzes and Blanc de Chine figures from the late Ming, for instance compare with a Ming bronze figure of Li Tieguai in The Cleveland Museum of Art, museum number 1973.158.
Height 31 cm, width 15 cm, depth 8 cm.
Provenance:
From a private collection in Amsterdam, The Netherlands
About Li Tieguai:
Li Tieguai is one of the legendary Eight Immortals of Daoist tradition, revered for his paradoxical appearance and profound spiritual power. Often depicted as a ragged beggar with an iron crutch and a gourd, he embodies the idea that true enlightenment transcends physical form and social status.
According to legend, Li was once a handsome scholar who practiced meditation so deeply that his spirit could leave his body. During one such journey, his body was mistakenly cremated, forcing his spirit to inhabit the body of a lame beggar. Accepting this fate, Li embraced humility and compassion, using his magical gourd to dispense medicine and aid the sick and poor.
In Chinese art and folklore, Li Tieguai symbolizes healing, resilience, and the transformative power of inner virtue over outward appearance.
Worldwide registered and insured shipping.
Inv. No: MW383
