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Hanging Cash: Two Immortals Lü Dongbin and Han Xiangzi

Chinese

Artwork Details

Hanging Cash: Two Immortals Lü Dongbin and Han Xiangzi
20th century
Chinese
woodblock print on paper
21 1/4 in x 11 5/8 in (54 cm x 29.5 cm);22 1/2 in x 12 7/8 in (57.2 cm x 32.7 cm);21 1/4 in x 11 5/8 in (54 cm x 29.5 cm)
Gift of Willard A. and Marybelle B. Hanna
1989/2.132

Description

Subject Matter:

The left figure is Han Xiangzi and the right figure is Lu Dongbin. They are two out of the Eight Immortals (Ba Xian). Lu Dongbin (right) is one of the most well known Immortals. It is said that when he was born, the room was instantly filled with a wonderful scent. He was an intelligent scholar known for elevating others' spiritual growth. However, he was also a womanizer and was susceptible to drunkenness. Han Xiangzi was his pupil, and is often depicted holding a Chinese flute, the dizi. He was known as a righteous gentleman and a talented musician. They were the only two immortals who had skills in fengshui. The clouds symbolize the celestial realm, since they were created between heaven and earth. 

Physical Description:

A figure dressed in a purple robe is playing the flute and another figure dressed to the right is in a yellow robe, wearing a headdress, and holding a fly whisk. They appear to be floating in the clouds. This image seems to be on top of a red paper cutout. 

Usage Rights:

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