A 19th Century Qing Dynasty Porcelain Immortal

A late 19th century polychrome glazed figure of a seated Immortal, depicted holding a peach.

This figure is representative of immortality and good health. To this end, he is holding a peach in his hand, which is a well respected symbol of all things immortal in China. The shape of his head traditionally resembles that of a peach and his clothes represent the colour palette of famille rose. The idea of a long life, respect for the elders and immortality has been a Daoist (and Confucian) concern for centuries and symbols thereof became essential in Chinese art.

Qing Dynasty, Gungxu Period (1875 – 1908)