CHINESE FIGURE. THE EIGHT IMMORTALS. TAOIST. LÜ DONGBIN.

Description:
- Beautiful Chinese figure, representing one of the eight immortals of Chinese mythology.
- They are a group of deities, according to Chinese mythology, existed earthly and were born during the Tang or Song dynasties, practising the techniques of alchemy and the methods of oriental immortality until they reached the true final immortality through the Tao.
- The members rarely appear separately and the powers of each of them can be transferred to a tool that can give life or destroy evil, and which are known as An Baixan.
- In this case we have Lü Dongbin, he is the best known of the eight, and by some is considered the de facto leader. He appears dressed as a scholar, carrying a sword to ward off evil and a fly swatter. He is worshipped by the sick and honoured as a scholar.
- We think it is made of lead, and then coated with a white metal plating that could be nickel, chrome or another metal.
- It has a good workmanship, executed in considerable detail.
- Small in size, the figure is solid and rests on a base.
- Probably made by casting with a mould, and the detail of the mould joint can be seen on the sides.
- No distinctive mark or contrast has been found that could provide information on where it was made, the maker's details or any other information.

Conservation and Damage:
- The sculpture is in a good state of conservation.
- It retains a nice period patina.
- It has minor knocks and scratches, due to age.
- The object shows the wear and tear typical of it's age.

Comments:
- Measurements and weight are approximate.
- Very interesting as a collector's item and as a decorative element.
- The tones of the colours in the photos are not the same as the tones of the real colours.
- The object for sale is the one that corresponds to the photos. The description is not a detailed description of the object.
- The data provided here are personal opinions and are not verified.