Large Antique Chinese Ivory Carving
Taoist Immortal
Lu Tung-Pin
Circa: late Qing, 19th-early 20th century
H 16 in.(40cm), W 5.5 in.(14cm), D 5 in.(12.5cm)
Circumvent: 16 inches, weight 8 lbs,
Condition: age cracks on base, oa. very good!

One of the Eight Taoist Immortals, Lu Tung-Pin is known as the patron saint of barbers, and worshipped by the sick. He is depicted here in an immense piece of African elephant tusk, his emblems in full detail; a fly brush in his right hand held behind his back and a sword to dispel evil slung across his back. A masculine figure, Lu Tung-Pin was said to achieving immortality at the age of fifty. He is often depicted as a scholarly figure, and the originator of “The Secret of the Golden Flower”, a classic work of Chinese philosophy on meditation.

Though there are some age cracks on the base of this piece, The carving is otherwise undamaged and is in good condition. A ying-yang is etched on his scholarly cap, and other details like the trim on his robe and the design on the scabbard of his sword convey a minimalist Ming style of carving. An appealing cloud motif covers the base, while the carved through ribbon and sword arching from his back indicate the work of an adept craftsman. His large hands are handsomely rendered, giving off a life-like quality, a peach of immortality held lightly in his left hand.

His transformation to immortal status is known as the “Dream of Yellow Millet.” Lu Tung-Pin had hopes of becoming a civil servant, but failed the exam twice. One day while cooking some yellow millet, he dozed off, dreaming that he not only passed the exam, but excelled, and was awarded a prestigious office. He married the daughter of a prosperous household, had a son and daughter, and was promoted to prime minister. But his success attracted jealousy, and people accused him of wrong doing. Just as he lost his office, his wife, his children were killed by bandits, he woke from the dream. Chung-li Chuan, the oldest of the Eight Immortals is said to of acted all the characters in the dream in order to make Lu Tung-Pin realize the emptiness of the human world.