Panel with immortals

18th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 221
The Eight Immortals (Baxian) and God of Longevity (Shoulao), important deities in Chinese legend, frequently appear in a group celebrating the birthday of an ancient goddess known as the Queen Mother of the West (Xi Wangmu). Here, six of the immortals occupy the foreground. The others stand on the terrace alongside Shoulao. Together they salute the Queen Mother, who rides a mythical bird. The embroidery displays meticulous detail, including in the facial expression of each immortal. This luxurious and elegant work would have been a fitting gift for an upscale birthday celebration.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 清 刺繡群仙賀壽圖
  • Title: Panel with immortals
  • Period: Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
  • Date: 18th century
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Silk and metal thread embroidery on silk satin
  • Dimensions: Overall: H. 72 1/2 in. (184.2 cm); W. 46 in. (116.8 cm); D. 1 3/4 in. (cm)
  • Classification: Textiles-Embroidered
  • Credit Line: Bequest of William Christian Paul, 1929
  • Object Number: 30.75.31
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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