Description

Bāxiān (八仙) means "Eight Immortals". They are a group of eight legendary figures of Chinese mythology. Many are loosely based on historical figures of the Tang and Song dynasties. In Chinese art they can often be recognized by an item they carry, sometimes only the items are shown.

The eight Immortals

Lü Dongbin (呂洞賓)
A scholar and poet considered to be the leader of the Eight Immortals.
Often carries a sword.

He Xiangu (何仙姑)
The only female among the eight. Improver of health.
Often holding a lotus flower.

Cao Guojiu (曹國舅)
Related to a Song dynasty emperor before he became an immortal.
Often shown in court robes, holding jade tablets.

Tieguai Li (鐵拐李)
Eccentric holder of medicine to ease the suffering of the unwell.
Identified by his iron crutch and calabash medicine bottle.

Lan Caihe (藍采和)
Sometimes depicted as female. Patron saint of florists and gardeners.

Han Xiangzi (韓湘子)
Patron saint of musicians. His flute brings harmony.
Depicted with a flute.

Zhang Guolao (張果老)
Alchemist, qìgōng master and winemaker, the most eccentric of the eight.
Depicted with a "fish drum" and castanets.

Zhongli Quan (鍾離權)
Can resurrect the dead and turn stones into silver or gold.
Often depicted holding a peach and a fan.