Li Tieguai

ClassificationsSculpture

Datemid 19th - early 20th Century

Made AtChina

Collection SiteSydney, New South Wales, Australia, Australia

MediumWood

Dimensions17 × 6 × 5 1/4 in. (43.2 × 15.2 × 13.3 cm)
In stand: 18 1/2 × 6 × 8 1/2 in. (47 × 15.2 × 21.6 cm)

Credit LineThe George Stanley Lodin Collection

Object number2015.17.65

DescriptionLi Tieguai is one of the Eight Immortals, legendary figures from the Taoist tradition. According to legend, Li Tieguai’s spirit had the ability to travel outside of his body. On one such occasion, his body was found and cremated as he was presumed to be dead. Li Tieguai had no choice but to inhabit the body of a deceased beggar. Originally, he was depicted in this sculpture with a gourd in his right hand. Unfortunately, this hand and gourd were lost over time.

Like the spirit of Li Tieguai, this sculpture has traveled far. It was brought by a Chinese sailor from China to Sydney, Australia via freighter. It was sold to James Tyrrell, a well-known bookseller and curio shop proprietor. The collector purchased it there in 1930 and brought it to the United States where it now has a final home at the Bowers Museum.

On View

Not on view