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 Li Tieguai, the patron saint of physicians who commonly appears as a lame beggar. Standing atop a lotus leaf in open water, he holds an iron crutch and carries a dried gourd from which he dispenses medicine for the sick.

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.