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A soapstone figure of Dongfang Shuo
with a peach
17th century
The creamy stone with attractive purplish red inclusions Depicted is the Han Dynasty eccentric, court jester,
carved as a dignified scholar with soft cap and thickly and later Daoist immortal Dongfang Shuo (circa 160
flowing beard, holding out a large ripe peach in both BC–93 BC), who became the focus of numerous myths
hands, the thick folds of the robe falling from his as well as jokes in the historical records. According to
shoulders and tied beneath the waist with long ribbons, one legend, the mischievous Dongfang stole a peach
the figure standing on a separate red-brown stone of immortality from the Queen Mother of the West, thus
carved as a rocky ledge, signed at the back. becoming an Immortal. This made him an appropriate
14.7cm (5¾in) high (2). subject for birthday presents.
£15,000 - 20,000
HK$190,000 - 250,000 CNY150,000 - 200,000
十七世紀 壽山石雕東方朔立像
Fine Chinese art | 183
