V1 A “Li Tieguai” boxwood figure, 19th Century

Description

Description:   Chinese figure of Li Tieguai, carved out from a single block of boxwood. The Immortal is portrayed while resting on his Calabash gourd, from which emanates medical vapors among which are flying two bats, representing longevity.

Dating:  19^th century

Size:  14.5 cm which by 17 cm wide

Provenance:  Antiquarian market

References:

Notes:  From Wikipedia: “Li Tieguai is a Chinese mythological figure and one of the Eight Immortals in the Taoist pantheon. He is sometimes described as irascible and ill-tempered, but also benevolent to the poor, sick and the needy, whose suffering he alleviates with special medicine from his Calabash gourd. He is often portrayed as an ugly old man with a dirty face, a scraggly beard, and messy hair held by a golden band. He walks with the aid of an iron crutch and often has a gourd slung over his shoulder or held in his hand. He often is depicted as a clown figure who descends to earth in the form of a beggar who uses his power to fight for the oppressed and needy. The legend says that Li was born in the Yuan dynasty (1279–1368), and was originally named “Li Xuan”. However, in folklore, he is depicted as Laozi’s apprentice, hence he should have lived in the sixth century BC. His characteristic emblems are the Calabash bottle which identifies him as one of the Eight Immortals and also his iron crutch. A vapor cloud emanates from the gourd, and within it is the sage’s hun (soul); which may be depicted as a formless shape or as a miniature double of his bodily self.