Description
AN ‘EIGHT IMMORTALS CROSSING THE SEA’ PAINTING, QING
China, 1644-1912. Watercolor, gouache and ink on paper, with a paper mount and wooden end bars. This painting shows the legendary tale of the Eight Daoist Immortals, crossing the sea (Ba Xian Guo Hai). The legend is that when they come to the East Sea, Lü Dongbin suggests that each of the Immortals uses his own individual abilities to cross the sea, and thus each figure throws down his attribute to ride upon, with some transforming into sea monsters. The story can be interpreted as each member of a group making a distinctive contribution to collective success.
Condition: Age-related condition, creases, browning and moldy spots throughout. Some and minor material loss to mounting.
Provenance: Austrian private collection.
Dimensions: Total size 149 x 65.5 cm. Size of the painting 130 x 57 cm.