Mythical Immortal Screen Painting

Since the 12th century, people in China have used folding screens and doors to partition and decorate their homes - the vivid scenes backing the screens added life and color to a room. This 19th-century painting is delicately brushed of gouache and ink on fabric and was originally part of a set of eight backing a wooden screen in northern China.

The figure depicted is one of the mythical Eight Immortals of Taoism. Said to have attained immortality through their studies of the natural world, each of the Eight Immortals represents a different condition in life and together they impart a blessing of prosperity and longevity. Depicted here is immortal Lu Dongbin, the patron saint of barbers who served the heavenly emperors as a scholar. He is said to have lived in the Tang dynasty (618–907 AD) and failed the civil service examinations several times before his literary talent was recognized by the other immortals. Standing atop a floating leaf, Lu Dongbin can be identified by his characteristic accessories - a fly whisk and a sword.

The figure is painted with an animated posture and colorful detail, and the surrounding brushwork imitates a wooden panel, inset with "carvings" of lotus flowers and dragons.

Framed. Floated on linen and set behind glass.