Circa: Early Republic, 1930-50S'
H 12.5 in.(32cm), W 7 in.(18cm), D 5 in.(12.5cm)
Condition: very good!
A
spectacular boxwood carving of two figures from the Eight Taoist Immortals
legend. The standing figure depicts Ho Hsien Ku, the goddess of health and well
being. Here she is poised gently sideway, clinging to her right is basket of flower
and two lotus buds by her waist side, with a flowing ribbon, a fly-whisk ties
to her right wrist, and a wine cup in hand, she
appears to be reluctantly accepting a drink offered by the seated immortal, Lu
Tung Pin, the exorcist once saved her from a malignant demon in the wood. This
carving displaying a variety of textures, folded and gathered fabrics of different
weights, masterfully integrated the two Taoist figures with dramatic dynamism over an intricately carved
pine tree pedestal.