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 Lan Caihe, the patron saint of florists and gardeners. Standing atop a lotus leaf in open water, they hold a gardening hoe in one hand and a basket for flowers or fruit in the other. Of undetermined gender and unclear history, Lan Caihe was typically described as a wandering musician who never aged, and is consequently associated with eternal youth and innocence.

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.