Eight Daoist Immortals, Cranes, and Gibbons

late 17th–early 18th century

Not on view

The central scroll of this monumental triptych shows the Eight Daoist Immortals, flanked by images of cranes and monkeys. Most of the immortals are easily identifiable. In the foreground are two who are often paired in Japan: Li Tieguai, who creates a miniature image of himself by blowing into the air, and Liu Haichan, with his mythical toad. Behind them is the sole female member of the Eight, He Xiangu, with a peach, a symbol of fertility, longevity, and purity. In the background Lu Dongbin paints an image of his dragon adversary in the air, while Zhang Guolao releases a miniature mule from a bag. The old gentleman flying down through the sky on a crane may be Zhongli Quan, considered the leader of the group.

Artwork Details

狩野探信筆　八仙猿鶴図
Title: Eight Daoist Immortals, Cranes, and Gibbons
Artist: Kano Tanshin (Morimasa) (Japanese, 1653–1718)
Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
Date: late 17th–early 18th century
Culture: Japan
Medium: Triptych of hanging scrolls; ink and color on silk
Dimensions: 14.76.23
Overall with knobs: 94 3/4 × 37 1/2 in. (240.7 × 95.3 cm)
Image: 58 5/8 × 35 in. (148.9 × 88.9 cm)
Overall with mounting: 94 3/4 × 35 in. (240.7 × 88.9 cm)

14.76.24, .25
Overall with knobs: 94 3/4 × 37 1/2 in. (240.7 × 95.3 cm)
Image: 58 5/8 × 30 1/4 in. (148.9 × 76.8 cm)
Overall with mounting: 94 3/4 × 35 in. (240.7 × 88.9 cm)
Classification: Paintings
Credit Line: Charles Stewart Smith Collection, Gift of Mrs. Charles Stewart Smith, Charles Stewart Smith Jr., and Howard Caswell Smith, in memory of Charles Stewart Smith, 1914
Object Number: 14.76.23–.25
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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