Eight carved ivory immortals

Tags: figurine | ivory

This group of eight ivory carved immortals from left to right are Li Tieguai, Cao Guojiu, Han Xiang zi, Chang Guolao, He Xiangu, Lan Caihe, Han Chongli, and Lu Dongbin. The eight immortals are a very popular mythological tale. We often seen them in Chinese arts and crafts, and in drama, dance and literature. In sculpture no matter whether it is a stone carving, woodcarving, bamboo carving or lacquer ware carving, the eight immortals are always seen with different gestures and styles. Ivory is originally a cold and hard material, however, these expertly carved ivory immortals have friendly smiles, and the movement of their clothing is so soft and full of heart-warming atmosphere. The ability to meld the cold and hard into the soft and friendly is the biggest success of this group of sculptures. The story of the eight immortals began in the Song and Yuan dynasties. The eight immortals were from the Tang dynasty, and are related to Daoism.

 

 

National Museum of History