Friday, July 27, 2007

Chung-li Ch’uan

Eighth Immortal Astride Kirin

Medium: 19th century Chinese bronze

Chung-li Ch’uan, chief of the eight Chinese immortals astride a qilin, a mythological creature that brings serenity and prosperity. With his fan he is able to revive the souls of the dead.

This piece is believed to have been manufactured in Fukien province in the late 19th century. An inscription on one side of the qilin indicates the casting was made for Ming dynasty emperor Xuande, who reigned from 1426-1435.


http://www.art-merchant-intl.com/china.htm

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