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Special Exhibition

Tracing the Daoist Immortal Lu Dongbin in the NPM Collection

Lu Dongbin stands among Taoism's best-known immortals. According to tradition, he achieved immortality in the 9th century during the Tang dynasty (618–907) through spiritual transmission from the divine master Zhongli Quan (also known as Han Zhongli).

The Lu Dongbin legend emerged in the early 11th century during the Northern Song period (960–1127) with accounts of his miraculous manifestations. His spiritual legacy encompasses both literary works and spiritual practices, including distinctive sword techniques for overcoming worldly desires and emotional attachments. When Wang Chongyang (1113–1170) set up the Quanzhen School during the Jin dynasty (1115–1234), his followers elevated both Zhongli Quan and Lu Dongbin to the "Five Patriarchs". The subsequent flourishing of Quanzhen Taoism in the Yuan period (1271–1368) saw widespread circulation of Lu Dongbin's supernatural interventions and moral teachings. Lu Dongbin is iconographically depicted as a scholarly figure bearing a sword.

Zhongli Quan and Lu Dongbin, together with Iron-Crutch Li, Zhang Guolao, Lan Caihe, Han Xiangzi, Cao Guojiu, and He Xiangu, comprise the legendary Eight Immortals. These diverse figures—drawn from different social classes, ages, and genders—each carry distinctive implements and embody unique personalities. Some can be traced to historical figures. This divine grouping, laid down during the Jin dynasty, became a beloved theme in Yuan and Ming theatrical productions, particularly the story of "The Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea". Because the Eight Immortals narrative made frequent appearances at birthday celebrations with the "Queen Mother of the West's Peach Banquet" theme, the two merged and jointly influenced both painting traditions and auspicious motifs in Ming and Qing decorative arts.

Using select paintings and decorative arts from the National Palace Museum collection, this exhibition explores various interpretations of Lu Dongbin and the Eight Immortals, from sophisticated literary depictions to popular images of longevity and prosperity.

Exhibition Information

Event Date 2025-02-04~2025-04-27
Location 3F S302

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Ming Dynasty (1368-1644)

Transcription of Lu Dongbin Verses by Dong Qichang

Ninth-century Taoist immortal Lu Dongbin attained his place among the Eight Immortals following legendary instruction from divine master Zhongli Quan. According to tradition, during a visit in 1068 to Mount Donglin, in a moment of wine-inspired revelation Lu composed verses and inscribed them on a wall with a pomegranate husk. This account gained particular literary significance when conveyed to celebrated poet Su Shi (1031–1101) in 1074, leading him to write verses in response and Su's 1090 colophon, which stands as the earliest record of Lu's earthly manifestation.

This scroll is Dong Qichang's masterful rendition of Lu's poetry with accompanying commentary. Dong notes that rubbings of Lu's original composition were still circulating in the late Ming, their wild cursive style reminiscent of celebrated calligrapher Huaisu (737–799). This stylistic affinity, combined with the shared motif of wine-inspired creation—Huaisu being renowned for his drunken brushwork—leads Dong to explore the profound connections between intoxication, calligraphic expression, and spiritual enlightenment.

Dong's calligraphic execution reveals both his distinctive artistic vision and Huaisu's influence. Dong's brushwork centers on controlled tip movements and fluid transitions, creating lines that possess both vigor and grace. Where Dong departs from Huaisu's style is in his approach to large characters, achieving variation through minimal but precise brush manipulation. The resulting composition manifests exceptional technical control through deliberate, layered movements executed with sophistication and spontaneity. Through slightly asymmetrical yet balanced character structures, expansive compositional spacing, and the dramatic interplay of ink and empty space, the work ultimately creates for viewers an ethereal and transcendent visual experience.

Wanli reign (1573-1620), Ming Dynasty

Gourd-shaped vase with "Eight immortals offering longevity" motif in underglaze blue

This imposing porcelain vessel, decorated with underglaze blue, derives its form from the gourd. The artisan designed the decorations to fit the gourd's two-part structure: the upper part depicts the God of Longevity and Queen Mother of the West, while the lower section presents the Eight Immortals with their attributes in balanced procession. Though this work lacks a reign mark, its distinctive features, such as the reserved panels and figure painting style, date it to the Wanli period of the Ming dynasty.

Qianlong reign (1736-1795), Qing Dynasty

Flask with handles and "Eight immortals offering longevity" motif in underglaze blue on a yellow ground

This bianhu flask, with its small mouth, short neck, and flattened body, derives its form from Islamic brass metalwork, reflecting a distinctly exotic aesthetic. The underglaze blue decoration features the Eight Treasures symbolizing the Eight Immortals—palm fan, sword, lotus flower, fish drum, flower basket, jade tablet, bamboo flute, and gourd. Enhanced by a yellow glaze, the design creates an elegant interplay of blue and yellow tones. The base bears the imperial reign mark "Made in the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty" in seal script.

Qianlong reign (1736-1795), Qing Dynasty

Vase with fencai polychrome decoration of the eight immortals offering longevity

The Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea stands among China's most beloved narratives. This lantern-shaped porcelain vase depicts these immortal figures bestowing blessings of long life as they traverse turbulent seas through mist and cloud, each manifesting their unique divine powers. Ruyi scepter and Buddhist swastika patterns frame the central scene, while gilt embellishment adorns the rim and foot ring. The imperial reign mark "Made in the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty" on the base identifies the provenance of this refined creation.

Kangxi reign(1662-1722), Qing Dynasty

Vase with the eight immotals crossing the sea decoration in uncerglaze blue and red

This monumental vessel, with its commanding neck, represents a technical tour de force of ceramic production. The artisan employed cobalt-blue underglaze to portray the Eight Immortals, each with their sacred implements, in a balanced composition spread across the surface. Executed in copper-red pigment, the tumultuous waves are built through precise layered brushwork. The craftsman's masterful technique captures the distinctive expressions of the Eight Immortals, evoking their supernatural journey across the sea.

Qing Dynasty (18th century)

Carved-polychrome lacquer round box with decoration of the Eight Immortals

This carved lacquer box demonstrates masterful craftsmanship. The artisan layered lacquer to achieve the proper depth before carving the detailed motifs. Though predominantly red in color, the decorative elements incorporate layers of green and yellow as well as red lacquer. The lid depicts the Eight Immortals with the God of Longevity, while cranes and deer—traditional emblems of longevity—adorn the body. The carving technique and decorative style date this work to the 18th century.