Page 414 - A Dictionary of Chinese Symbols BIG Book

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Zhong-li Quan

Zhong-li is one of the eight Immortals. He can be recognised by

Zhong-li Quan with a fan

the fan he carries, and which he uses to bring the dead back to life. In pictures of
him, the fan is often replaced by a feather duster. He is also often portrayed with his
stomach bare. According to legend, Zhong-li lived at the time of the Han Dynasty, and
discovered ‘the great magic of gold-cinnabar’ (the philosopher’s stone). He could melt
mercury and burn lead and turn them into yellow and white silver. And he could fly
through the air.
According to one popular novel, he fought for the Song Dynasty (960–1278) against
the people of Liao who ruled North China. Another of the eight Immortals, Lü Dong-
bin, took the part of the Liao, but was finally won over by Zhong-li. In one play Zhong-li
appears as a judge called upon to decide in litigation again involving Lü Dong-bin. These
two Immortals are closely connected with each other.
Zhu-ge Liang