Li Tieguai, Daoist Immortal

These bronze sculptures (with SL.17.2019.1.1) capture the playful appeal of the Daoist immortals Liu Hai and Li Tieguai. Li supports himself on his famous iron crutch, with an enormous gourd full of magical elixirs slung across his shoulder, while his friend Liu Hai plays with his companion, a massive toad. These lighthearted sculptures would have been well-suited to the reception hall of a cultured family, where their fine craftsmanship and playful spirit would have added a touch of learned whimsy