ESE FIGURE. THE EIGHT IMMORTALS. TAOIST. LAN CAIHE. 20TH CENTURY

Description:
- The figurines are made of, it seems to be lead. Then they are covered with a bath of a white metal, which could be nickel, chrome or maybe another white metal or metal alloy.
- A 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 are dealing with Lan Caihe, who is known for his outlandish and off-the-wall behaviour. It is said that he once had to disguise himself as a witch to play a role, which would be the origin of the confusion about his sex.
- Immortal deity of horticulture and florists. Her symbol is a bamboo basket that she sometimes carries on her shoulder hanging from a hoe. Inside are flowers associated with longevity, such as bamboo and pine shoots, plum branches and chrysanthemums.
- It is thought to be made of lead, and then coated with a white metal plating that could be nickel, chrome or another metal.
- The workmanship is good, and the workmanship is quite detailed.
- Small in size, the figure is solid and rests on a base.
- It was 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 not contrasted.