明 佚名 倣吳偉 漢鍾離像 軸|The Immortal, Zhong li

Art Historical Context

This striking hanging scroll from China’s Ming dynasty (1368–1644) or Qing dynasty (1644–1911) portrays Han Zhongli (also known as Zhongli Quan), one of the most beloved of the Eight Immortals in Daoist tradition. Rendered in ink and color on paper, the figure stands as a timeless symbol of longevity, alchemy, and spiritual freedom. The work is attributed to an unidentified artist working in the manner of Wu Wei, a leading painter of the Zhe school renowned for his dynamic brushwork and expressive figure paintings. Hanging scrolls like this one were designed to be unrolled and viewed in intimate settings, allowing the viewer to appreciate the subtle play of ink washes and delicate color accents that bring the immortal’s robes and features to life. Although the exact date remains unknown, the painting reflects the enduring popularity of Daoist themes among Chinese scholar-officials and collectors during the late imperial period. Acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1913 through the John Stewart Kennedy Fund, the scroll offers today’s visitors a window into centuries-old artistic practices and spiritual beliefs that continue to resonate across East Asian cultures.

About the Artist

Wu Wei|Unidentified artist (Chinese| ) · 1459 | –1508 |

Chinese, 1459–1508|