Hidden Eight Immortals
暗八仙 · an baxian
The Hidden Eight Immortals — the Daoist counterpart of the Buddhist set — are the attributes carried by the Eight Immortals: gourd, fan, drum, sword, lotus, flower basket, flute and clappers. The immortals are implied by their attributes alone, hence “hidden”.
Historical development
On Qing robes the attributes are usually accompanied by flowers and coloured ribbons, which complete the composition and add to the auspicious sense.
Compared with figure subjects showing the immortals themselves, the attributes suit dress better: their shapes are regular and repeat readily within a confined field.
Cultural meaning
The gourd belongs to Li Tieguai and drives off evil; the fan to Zhongli Quan, for the power of wisdom; the sword to Lü Dongbin, subduing demons; the clappers to Cao Guojiu, discerning light from dark; the lotus to He Xiangu, held without taking on the dust of the world; the flute to Han Xiangzi, under which all things grow; the drum to Zhang Guolao, with which the future is told; the basket to Lan Caihe, holding nothing common.
Plates
The same motif as it appears on different objects, gathered for comparison. Dates and provenance for each example are to be established and added.
Attribute (i)
Attribute (ii)
Attribute (iii)
Attribute (iv)
Attribute (v)
Attribute (vi)