Title
Figure of an Eight Immortal, Han Zhong Li
Creator
Year/Period
2001-2002
Region
Taiwan, Republic of China
Material
High-Fired Enamel Glazed Stoneware
Technique
Hand-sculpting
Dimension
Object size: H32.5cm x L30.5cm x W13cm
Accession No.
2002-00827
Collection of
NLB Type
Ceramic
The Eight Immortals did not emerge as a group until the Yuan dynasty (1279-1368 CE). It is doubtful if they were indeed historical figures. Each of them has a personal mythology traceable to the Han (200 BCE- 220 CE) and Song (960-1279 BCE) dynasties. They are also associated with Eight Trigram directions in the Classic of Change or Yijing 易经. Han Zhongli 汉钟离, also known as Zhong Liquan 钟离权, this immortal is popular amongst those seeking immortality as he is believed have invented the pill for it.
