Daoist Immortal on a Qilin and Two Attendants

신선도 [神仙圖]

late 1800s

Korea, Joseon dynasty

(1392–1910)

Medium

Ink and color on paper

Measurements

Painting only: 52.9 x 28.7 cm (20 13/16 x 11 5/16 in.); Overall: 61 x 38 cm (24 x 14 15/16 in.)

Credit Line

Gift of the John Huntington Art and Polytechnic Trust 1915.220

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Location

Not on view

Did You Know?

As a fantastical animal hybrid of a griffin and a sphinx, the animal qilin was used as a symbol of heavenly blessings.

Description

By the late 18th century, subjects that deal with Daoist immortals and their fantasy stories were increasingly chosen for paintings. For their wish-granting message, Daoist figure paintings such as this one were often commissioned to celebrate festive occasions. Judging from its dimension, this paining used to be part of either a small-size multi-panel folding screen or a large-size album that depicts a series of Daoist immortals and Buddhist deities.