Figure of Li Tieguai, one of the Eight Immortals
Unknown Artist
19th century
Medium
Biscuit with polychrome enamels (Jingdezhen ware)
Dimensions
H. 10 3/4 in. (27.3 cm); W. 4 1/2 in. (11.4 cm); D. 2 3/4 in. (7 cm)
Classification
Ceramics
Culture & Period
China · Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Edwin C. Vogel, 1963
Accession Number
63.213.9
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite porcelain figure depicts Li Tieguai, one of the Eight Immortals from Chinese Daoist mythology, crafted in 19th-century Jingdez ware during the Qing dynasty (1644–1911). Produced at China's renowned porcelain capital, Jingdezhen, this piece exemplifies the era's mastery in ceramics, blending spiritual symbolism with imperial artistry. The biscuit porcelain—fired to a matte, unglazed finish—es as a canvas for vibrant polychrome enamels, creating lifelike details in the immortal's flowing robes, expressive face, and attributes like peaches, evoking abundance and immortality. Li Ti...