East Asia, China, Qing Dynasty, ca. 1644 to 1912 CE. A long, dramatic wooden panel, carved with nine high relief figures depicting different stock characters in Chinese folklore, with twin round bosses at each end. The bosses are delineated in high relief and openwork, one depicting a lion and the other a dragon. Nine is an auspicious number in China, often figuring in the earliest mythological stories and representing heaven and perfection in the art of feng shui. The nine figures carved here most likely represent the Eight Immortals and Confucius. Each is expressive and unique, with naturalistic, dynamic poses and the remains of bright pigment to give us an idea of what this panel looked like when it was first made. Size: 9.15" W x 71" H (23.2 cm x 180.3 cm)

The Eight Immortals (sometimes called the Eight Genies) are a group of legendary figures in Chinese mythology, many said to have been born during the Tang or Song dynasties. They are both revered by Taoists and popular figures in secular Chinese culture. They are: He Xian'gu, Cao Guojiu, Li Tieguai, Lan Caihe, Lu Dongbin, Han Xiangzi, Zhang Guolao, and Zhongli Quan, of which He Xian'gu is the one on the far left of this panel (the only woman among them, although Lan Caihe is gender ambiguous). The central figure is probably Confucius, surrounded by four Immortals on either side of him. Chinese art often depicts mythological humans who have become immortals. These Eight, the most famous, are considered signs of prosperity and longevity, and they were particularly venerated in the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection

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#127247

Inactive insect damage on some areas of the surface, as well as small chips and losses to wood, especially along the edges. Nice pigment remaining, with good preserved detail on the carved figures.