FINE PAIR OF EXTRA LARGE BOISTEROUS EXPLOITS OF THE DRUNKEN IMMORTALS PAINTINGS

Description

Royal House Antiques

Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning pair of Vintage Chinese paintings depicting the Boisterous Exploits of the Drunken immortals 

Please note the delivery fee listed is just a guide and covers London only for the UK and local Europe only for the rest of the world, if you are outside these areas please ask for a delivery quote before you bid and not after

The Eight Immortals In Chinese mythology, the Eight Immortals are renowned heroes who fight against the forces of evil.

In literature prior to the 1970s, they were often called the Eight Fairies or Eight Genies. Wildly popular throughout China’s history, the stories of the Eight Immortals found their way into almost every level of ancient Chinese society. Most of the Eight Immortals (also called the Ba Xian) were born during the Tang or Song Dynasties and all are revered in Taoism and Chinese folk mythology. Also referred to as the 8 Drunken Gods, the 8 Immortals were believed to have lived on islands in the Bohai Sea, including Mount Penglai. 

Appearance and Name Meanings 

As the 8 Taoist Immortals represent long life and fortune, it is common to find artwork depicting them across various dynasties throughout China’s history. Nobles commissioned sculptures of the Eight Immortals to adorn their homes and palaces. Silk paintings and wall murals are still found throughout temples and public spaces. 

While occasionally depicted individually, the Eight Immortals are usually painted as a complete group. The Eight Immortals are often shown with Jade Hand Maidens which are servants of highly ranked gods. This shows that often throughout their history that the Eight Drunken Gods were revered as powerful figures in the Taoist faith. And often, other Chinese dieties, such as the Queen Mother of the West and the Three Stars are painted or depicted with them. 

The most famous depiction of the Eight Immortals is found in the Eternal Joy Temple in Ruicheng. Each of the Ba Xian are distinguished from one another with particular attributes- Cao Guojiu – In artwork, Cao Goujiu is usually shown holding a jade tablet. Cao Goujiu’s name translates as Imperial Brother-In-Law Cao. Han Xiangzi – Often seen playing a flute, Han Xiangzi is considered a musical genius. Han Xiangzi’s name translates as Han of the Xiang River He Xiangu – The only female of the Eight Immortals, He Xiangu carries a sheng (reed pipe) and a lotus flower. He Xiangu’s name means Female Celestial Being Lan Caihe – Considered androgynous, Lan Caihe is often painted with a basket of fruit. Lan Caihe’s name is made up of the words for blue, gather, and gentle Li Tieguai – Carrying an iron cane and a gourd or bottle, Li Tieguai is usually represented as being mentally ill. Li Tieguai’s name means Iron Crutch Lee Lu Dongbin – Lu Dongbin is the leader of the Eight Immortals and carries a large sword while wearing scholarly robes. Long Dongbin’s name translates as Cave Hole Visitor Zhongli Quan – Depicted carrying a fan, and a bare belly showing through his robes, Zhongli Quan is the oldest of the Eight Immortals and has the power to create gold and silver. Zhongli Quan’s name means Zhongli of the Quan (Han) Dynasty Zhang Guolao – Zhang Guolao is known as the clown of the group as he rides his donkey backwards. Zhang Guolao’s name means Old Fruit Zhang 

Influence of the Eight Immortals in cultural history 

A number of Chinese martial arts are named after the Eight Immortals, often employing movements and fighting styles that mimic those of each genie. Drunken boxing makes extensive use of the legends of the Eight Immortals for body conditioning, meditation, and combat. 

Over the centuries, the Eight Immortals have found their way into artwork, writings, even comics, television, and movie productions. And while very few temples are completely dedicated to the Eight Immortals, Daoist temples commonly have the Eight Symbols of the Immortals across the primary temple structure, as these symbols are believed to ward off the presence of evil. Also, statues and paintings of the Eight Immortals are very common in Buddhist temples and monasteries, where they are placed near lesser gods to guard them.

Dimensions

Height:- 32.5cm

Width:- 155cm & 185.5cm 

Depth:- 2cm

Please note all measurements are taken at the widest point, if you would like any additional or specific measurements, please ask.

Any questions please feel free to ask before you bid.   

ABOUT US

Royal House Antiques is a privately owned family ran business founded in Wimbledon SW19 and now based in Pulborough RH20. We specialise in finding, restoring very fine luxury antique leather seating, along with every single other type of antique ranging from the 16th century to the 20th century. We also stock a number of designer brands such as Fritz Hansen, Ralph Lauren, Cavalli, Charles & Ray Eames, Vitra, David Linley, Rolex, Tiffany, Jager Le Coulter and so on     

PAYMENTS

We accept payment via Bitcoin, Bitcoin cash, Ethereum, Bacs, Chaps, PayPal or Card, we would kindly ask that all items are paid for within 48 hours and collected within 7 working days, we can hold all paid items for 14 days free of charge, there after a £20 a week storage fee will apply. We have long term storage which is very economically priced, we are happy to hold stock for as long as needed providing it is arranged prior to the purchase 

If sold items aren’t collected within three months and no arrangements have been made for long term storage you will forfeit the item and payment

CONDITION

Please view the very detailed pictures as they form part of the description pertaining to the condition. Please also ask any questions before you bid and not after, all of our items are sold as seen and as listed

Royal House Antiques cannot be held liable for any independent assumptions made regarding the items we sell, if you are unsure on any point, please feel free to ask for clarity  

Please note vintage period and original items such as leather seating will always have natural patina in the form of creasing and wear, we recommend annual waxing to ensure no moisture is lost, also hand dyed leather is not recommended to sit in direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time as it will dry out and fade   

IMPORT DUTY

Most countries charge some kind of import duty however almost all of our items won’t incur any charges as the items are exempt from tax due to the age and materials used

For European deliveries the price you will be quoted will include all clearance documentation and any customs charges so there won’t be any additional fees

For international deliveries such as the United States there can be some import duty to pay and or a clearance fee, I would estimate that 99% of all deliveries clear customs without being stopped for either

All duties are the responsibility of the purchaser who is the importer, they can’t be covered by the seller or shipping agent or factored in with additional retrospective discounts

RETURNS

Royal House Antiques offers a no quibble return policy if the item is not as described, if there are any issues with the piece you will be refunded in full once the item has been returned and inspected within 14 days, alternatively if there is a small issue, we can discuss finding a mutual resolution that makes all parties happy

We don’t offer a sale on approval service which means you can purchase the item, have it delivered and if you simply don’t like it, return it, this comes under change of mind or doesn’t fit. There is a lot of time, money and work involved in transporting goods around the world, the costs incurred can be vast so my advice would be if you are unsure on a piece please ask as many questions as you like to make sure you understand everything before you buy, if you are still unsure then please either arrange a viewing in person or if that’s not possible then don’t buy from an online retailer, perhaps look for a local gallery instead