Chinese bronze figure, wearing a headdress and cast upright on a four legged pedestal. Traces of gold gilt essentiate his bearded continence, his gilt hands hold a "hu" in front of his chest, his hemmed robe is incised with cloud patterns. The richly patinated bronze displays remnants of pigment and file marks. The underside interior is hollow with a pitted surface, residual of the casting process.

Figures of the Eight Immortals are popular decorative motifs because it is believed that they can bestow blessings. They represent the spectrum of the human condition - young and old, rich and poor, civil and military, learned and uncultured, male and female.

Ming Dynasty (1368-1644)

Dimensons: 9 1/2" high x 3 1/2" wide x 2 3/4" deep