The Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea

Eight immortals, bearing flute, flower basket, sword and gourd, ride the waves together; restrained color and vigorous linework conjure a serene, auspicious mythic journey.

Built on precise ink outlines, the figure-color is fresh and translucent in pinks, blues, and ochres; the water is brushed with broken, wet strokes that curl into patterns, the foam reserved in white. The eight, displaying their emblems—flute, fly-whisk, drum, flower basket—gather in a fan-shaped cluster, a diagonal from upper right to lower left steadying the procession while suggesting motion. Faces differ in character and the drapery ripples; despite the tumbling surf their expressions are composed, creating an air of joyous ease. An inscription with red seals at upper left tethers the open reserve, letting the dense group breathe against the expanse of water and sky.

Category

Figure · Color

Year

2020