Past Exhibitions
- Chinese Immortals
- December 19, 2017 - January 21, 2018
Chinese culture boasts numerous immortals with supernatural powers that allow them to transverse the heavens at will. Many Chinese immortals are associated with mystical beliefs about eternal life that arose out of Buddhism and Taoism. In Japan, immortality can be found in the Seven Gods of Good Fortune (Shichifukujin), including Fukurokuju, the god of longevity, or in immortals such as Lu Dongbin (J: Ryō Dōhin), who relieves people’s suffering. Perhaps no theme better exemplifies such mystical talents than the theme of “Eight Immortals Crossing the Ocean,” in which eight legendary hermits combine their powers to fly over the seas together. Chinese painters expanded their imaginations to paint images of these immortals that are distinctive and richly appealing. This gallery shows paintings of Chinese immortals from the Ming and Qing dynasties—an auspicious theme to welcome in the New Year. We hope you enjoy aura of fantasy and happiness exuded by these fanciful figures.
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