CHINE, DYNASTIE QING (1644-1911)

Li Tieguai is one of the eight Daoist immortals (baxian), and is identified by the 'iron staff' and double-gourd he carries. He is depicted as an emaciated man who walks with the assistance of his cane, as tradition dictates that he descended from the realm of the immortals by entering the body of a deceased, handicapped man. He is said to be a provider of medicine, which he carries in the gourd. Compare a much smaller (16 cm.) boxwood figure of Li Tieguai, from the Robert H. Blumenfield Collection, sold in our New York rooms, 25 March 2010, lot 865.