Taoist Watercolor On Paper. Li Tieguai. Qing Dynasty China.

India ink and colors on laid paper. The artist has depicted one of the eight Taoist immortals, Li Tieguai (Li with the Iron Staff), standing and leaning on his crutch. Behind him, the magical gourd containing the elixir emits a wisp of smoke. Sometimes, the immortal may take refuge inside the gourd. It is worth noting that the discreetly concealed gourd and the simplicity of the setting, the artist focusing on the essentials, suggest a painting of a religious nature, commissioned by a Taoist scholar, and not simply a mass-produced decorative work; the extreme thinness of the paper also supports this interpretation. A printed mark in seal characters, which we have not been able to decipher with absolute certainty, does not indicate the name of the artist or the immortal, but rather signifies: "Immersion in the Mystery," in accordance with the spirit of Taoism. Li Tieguai is the patron saint of the sick; he can heal the afflicted and even raise the dead. The paper is very thin; the paint has almost completely soaked through it. The reverse side is almost as clean as the front. The paper is stained, torn, and has holes; there are no repairs. In its original condition. China, 19th century or earlier. 97 x 43 cm