{"product_id":"chinese-zhang-guolao-eight-immortals-figure-1890-1930","title":"Antique Chinese Carved Zhang Guolao Figure – Eight Daoist Immortals | Circa 1890 – 1930","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical Context \u0026amp; Origin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e China, likely a southern Chinese workshop\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Carved natural material, likely bone, with incised and stained decoration; mounted on an ebonized wooden base\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePeriod:\u003c\/strong\u003e Circa 1890–1930, late Qing to early Republic period (attributed)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDescription\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis finely detailed Chinese figure depicts Zhang Guolao, one of the legendary Eight Immortals of Daoist tradition. He is portrayed as an elderly sage with an expressive face, long pointed beard, soft scholar’s cap, and flowing robes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe tubular object held diagonally across his body represents a \u003cem\u003eyugu\u003c\/em\u003e, traditionally translated as a “fish drum.” This bamboo percussion instrument, usually accompanied by two projecting rods or beaters, is Zhang Guolao’s principal identifying attribute and distinguishes him from more general representations of scholars and immortals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe carving incorporates delicate incised detailing throughout the beard, facial features, clothing, and accessories. Subtle brown staining emphasizes the recessed lines, giving depth and definition to the pale surface. The immortal is positioned beside a stylized pierced rock or tree-form support and mounted on a separate turned wooden display base with a dark ebonized finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConstructed from several carefully fitted sections, the figure demonstrates the specialized methods used by Chinese workshops when producing small devotional and decorative carvings from natural materials. Its compact scale, animated pose, and recognizable symbolism made figures of this type desirable for domestic display and for the international export market during the late Qing and early Republic periods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Depiction of Zhang Guolao, one of the Eight Daoist Immortals\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Characteristic bamboo \u003cem\u003eyugu\u003c\/em\u003e or fish drum with projecting beaters\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Expressive elderly face with long incised beard\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Traditional scholar’s cap and deeply folded robes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Raised hand rendered in an animated, conversational gesture\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Stylized pierced rock or tree-form support\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Fine incised lines enhanced with brown staining\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Sectionally carved and assembled construction\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Mounted on an ebonized wooden display base\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Naturally aged cream-colored surface and patina\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCultural Significance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eZhang Guolao is one of the Eight Immortals, a celebrated group of legendary figures in Chinese Daoist folklore. Traditionally described as an eccentric Tang-dynasty hermit with supernatural powers, he is often associated with longevity, unconventional wisdom, spiritual freedom, and the ability to transcend ordinary limitations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAccording to legend, Zhang Guolao travelled great distances upon a magical white donkey, frequently riding backwards. At the end of a journey, he could fold the donkey like paper and restore it by sprinkling it with water. In art, however, he is most readily recognized by his bamboo fish drum and beaters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRepresentations of the Eight Immortals were popular throughout the Qing dynasty and into the Republic period. Displayed individually or as a complete group, they conveyed wishes for longevity, prosperity, happiness, and protection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGood antique condition with wear consistent with age and handling. The surface displays natural toning, staining, fine age lines, minor scratches, abrasions, and small edge losses. Some projecting elements appear slightly worn or incomplete. Sectional construction joins are visible. The wooden display base has minor scuffs and localized finish loss. The figure has not been removed from its base.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions (Approximate)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeight: 5 in\u003cbr\u003eWidth: 2 in\u003cbr\u003eDepth: 2 in\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAge (Approximate)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e95–135 years old\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom a private collection in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, assembled with a particular focus on Chinese and broader Asian sculpture and traditional decorative arts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSubsequently sold through Waddington’s Auctioneers \u0026amp; Appraisers, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Established in 1850, Waddington’s describes itself as Canada’s original auction house and has long maintained specialist departments devoted to Asian and international art.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLearn More\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExplore a comparable Qing-dynasty figure of Zhang Guolao in the collection of the \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/emuseum.mcmaster.ca\/emuseum\/objects\/3564\/figure-of-zhang-guolao-one-of-the-eight-daoist--immortals\" title=\"Figure of Zhang Guolao – McMaster Museum of Art\"\u003eMcMaster Museum of Art\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eView two similar carvings: \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/relicandrarity.com\/products\/japanese-meiji-fisherman-okimono-fish-basket-1890-1920\" title=\"Japanese Meiji Fisherman Okimono – Relic \u0026amp; Rarity\"\u003eJapanese Fisherman\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/relicandrarity.com\/products\/japanese-meiji-falconer-bird-of-prey-okimono-1890-1920\" title=\"Japanese Meiji Falconer with Bird of Prey Okimono – Relic \u0026amp; Rarity\"\u003eFalconer with Bird of Prey\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExplore our \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/relicandrarity.com\/collections\/eastern-antiquities-cultural-relics\" title=\"Eastern Antiquities \u0026amp; Cultural Relics – Relic \u0026amp; Rarity\"\u003eCollection of Eastern Antiquities \u0026amp; Cultural Relics\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Relic \u0026 Rarity","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56016153968962,"sku":null,"price":350.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0955\/1803\/2194\/files\/First_photo_design_25.jpg?v=1788526350","url":"https:\/\/relicandrarity.com\/es\/products\/chinese-zhang-guolao-eight-immortals-figure-1890-1930","provider":"Relic \u0026 Rarity","version":"1.0","type":"link"}