He Xiangu; China, 20th century.

He Xiangu; China, 20th century.
White jade on wooden base.
Measurements. 21 x 9.5 x 3.5 cm; 4 x 8 x 5 x 5 cm (base).
Represents He Xiangu, one of the Eight Taoist Immortals, full-length, holding a branch with peaches, symbol of longevity, and a ritual fly swatter. These Immortals are a group of deities from Chinese mythology, according to which they existed on earth and were born during the Tang (618-907) or Song (960-1279) dynasties, living on Penglai Mountain. They are worshipped within Taoism, but also in popular Chinese culture. Members of the group are rarely depicted separately, and their powers can be transferred to utensils that can give life or destroy evil, known as "an baxian". The Eight Immortals are Lu Dongbin, scholar and "de facto" leader of the group; Lan Caihe, depicted as an effeminate young man or boy with a quirky demeanor; Zhang Guo Lao, an old man who owns a mule that he can fold like paper; He Xiangu, the only woman in the group; Li Tieguai, irascible but benevolent to the poor; Han Xiangzi, identified by his musical gifts and flute; Zhongli Quan, official leader of the group; and Cao Guojiu, protector of the theater.
He Xiangu lived during the Tang dynasty and, during his adolescence, a divine being appeared to him and ordered him to eat mica powder so that his body would become ethereal and immune to death. He Xiangu complied with the command and took a vow of chastity. From then on he spent his days in the mountains, bringing the fruits he collected to his mother, and gradually realized that he did not need to feed himself. Her fame grew and she was invited to the imperial court. On her way there, He Xiangu disappeared from Earth and became an Immortal.

COMMENTS

This lot can be seen at the Setdart Madrid Gallery located at C/Velázquez, 7.