Antique Chinese Box wood Buddha
Taoist Immortals
Riding Sacred Cow and Deer
Qing to Early Republic, Circa: 19th-20th Century
H. 8.5 in.(22cm.), W. 5in.(13cm), D. 2.75 in. (7cm.)

Carved from boxwood with a reddish stain, these statues are appealingly rendered with skill, gentleness and affection for the characters and their mounts. Riding the sacred cow is the Immortal Han Hsiang-Tzu, identified by his flute. He is credited with making flowers grow and blossom instantaneously. He was a favorite pupil of LuTung-pin, who carried him to the supernatural peachtree, from which he fell and became immortal. He is the patron of musicians who wanders in the country playing his flute and attracting birds and even beasts of prey by the sweet sounds. He does not know the value of money, and, if given any, he scatters it about on the ground. He is seen here riding a sacred cow and playing his flute, dressed in simple rustic garments, with a whisk and hat on his back. The deer is believed by the Chinese to live to a very great age, and has therefore become an emblem of long life. It is said to be the only animal which is able to find the sacred fungus of immortality. It is this fungus which the rider holds up in a box. The rider is simply attired with whisk and hat on his back. Both pieces are lively, gracefully carved and make an exceptionally fine pair.

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