Qing to Early Republic, Circa: 19th-20th Century
H. 8.5 in.(22cm.), W. 5in.(13cm), D. 2.75 in. (7cm.)
Carved
from boxwood with a reddish stain, these statues are appealingly rendered with
skill, gentleness and affection for the characters and their mounts. Riding the
sacred cow is the Immortal Han Hsiang-Tzu, identified by his flute. He is credited
with making flowers grow and blossom instantaneously. He was a favorite pupil
of LuTung-pin, who carried him to the supernatural peachtree, from which he fell
and became immortal. He is the patron of musicians who wanders in the country
playing his flute and attracting birds and even beasts of prey by the sweet sounds.
He does not know the value of money, and, if given any, he scatters it about on
the ground. He is seen here riding a sacred cow and playing his flute, dressed
in simple rustic garments, with a whisk and hat on his back. The deer is believed
by the Chinese to live to a very great age, and has therefore become an emblem
of long life. It is said to be the only animal which is able to find the sacred
fungus of immortality. It is this fungus which the rider holds up in a box. The
rider is simply attired with whisk and hat on his back. Both pieces are lively,
gracefully carved and make an exceptionally fine pair.