Artifact Record Details
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Basic Information |
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| Artifact Identification | Figurine: Daoist Immortals and Water Buffalo (2000.20.0010) | |
| Classification | Communication Artifacts : Art : Figurine, Group | |
| Visual Description | A carved bamboo figurine depicting two water buffalo, one very large and one small, being ridden by four human figures. Seven of the buffalo legs support the figurine. One human figure rides the smaller buffalo and holds a set of reins. The other three ride the larger buffalo. One carries a thin circular object adorned with an incised spiral motif and oversized stalk of a tall grain. A second human figure stands to the left of the buffalo and tips a container. The final human figure rides the rear of the buffalo and carries a long, curved, cylindrical object. | |
| Artist/Maker | None | |
| Geographic Location | Asia, East, People's Republic of China | |
| Period/Date | Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), 19th century | |
| Culture | Chinese | |
| Locality/Archaeological Site | ||
Physical Analysis |
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| Dimension 1 (Height) | 26.1 cm | |
| Dimension 2 (Depth) | 16 cm | |
| Dimension 3 (Width) | 15.3 cm | |
| Weight | 844 g | |
| Measuring Remarks | None | |
| Materials | Plant--Bamboo | |
| Manufacturing Processes | Carving | |
| Munsell Color Information | Dark Brown (5YR 2/4) -Body of buffalo. Dark Grayish Brown (5YR 2/2) -Figure with jug. Dark Reddish Brown (2.5YR 2/4) -Figure on small buffalo. | |
Research Remarks |
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| Published Description | N/A | |
| Scholarly Notes | A finely detailed Chinese bamboo carving of two water buffalo, three of the "Eight Immortals", with the fourth figure astride one buffalo, Qing Dynasty, 19th century, 10 3/4 inches in height. The "Eight Immortals" are Daoist (Taoist) and are also termed Pa Hsien. They are legendary beings said to have lived at various times and attained immortality through their studies of Nature's secrets. They can be found depicted in Chinese bronze, ivory, embroideries, rugs, ceramics, and wood/bamboo carvings. The "Eight Immortals" each represent a different condition of life, i.e., wealth, aristocracy, plebianism, age, poverty, youth, masculinity and femininity. The group of eight includes: Chung-li Ch'uan, Chang Kuo-lao, Lu Tung-pin, Ts'ao Kuo-chiu, Li t'ieh-kuai, Han Hsiang-tzu, Lan Ts'ai-ho and Ho Hsien-ku. This bamboo carving includes depictions of Ho Hsien-ku, Lan Ts'ai-ho and Han Hsiang-tzu. Ho Hsien-ku, 7th century A.D., was the daughter of a shop keep of Lingling, Hunan. Having eaten of the supernatural peach (the peach being a symbol of Shoulao, considered the ninth Immortal and representing longevity), she became a fairy. She used to wander alone in the hills, and lived on powdered mother-of-pearl and moonbeams, which diet produced immortality. She assists in house management. Han Hsiang-tzu was the nephew of Han Yu, a famous scholar who lived circa 820 AD. He is credited with the power of making flowers grow and blossom instantaneously. He was a favorite student of Lu Tung-pin, who carried him to the supernatural peach tree, from which he fell and became immortal. He is the patron of musicians. He did not know the value of money, and if given any, would scatter it about on the ground. Lan Ts'ai-ho is thought to be a woman. She carries a basket and is the patron saint of the florists. She waved a wand as she went begging through the streets. She continually chanted a verse denouncing this fleeting life and its delusive pleasures. The water buffalo played a prominent role in Chinese agriculture and is frequently represented in Chinese art. As early as the Shang period, the water buffalo which, due to its crescent shaped horns, was probably connected with the lunar forces and fertility, may be found in sculptures and ceremonial vessels. In later Chinese art, the water buffalo forms a popular motif in the decorative arts and fine arts. The various activities of this animal have been painted in long narrative scrolls since the Song Dynasty (notable are the paintings of Li-Tang, Song Dynasty). Bamboo (Bambusa arundinacea) is the most difficult wood to carve. It is as hard as a horn although it is hollow and segmented. It is lustrous and it ranges in hue from lemon yellow to black, with warm tones in cherry red, tortoise-shell, mahogany, as well as variegated hues. Bamboo represents longevity because it flourishes throughout the winter. It is highly prized. - B. McManus, Appraiser, 9/7/2000 | |
| Comparanda | N/A | |
| Bibliography | N/A | |
Artifact History |
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| Archaeological Data | N/A | |
| Credit Line/Dedication | Fred A. Freund Collection | |
| Reproduction | No | |
| Reproduction Information | N/A | |