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 Cao Guojiu, who was brother to a Song-dynasty empress and consequently known as "Uncle of the Nation." The patron saint of actors, he is always shown with a pair of beaters, or clappers, used for keeping time.

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.