Liu Hai with Three-Legged Toad
Artist
Su Xuejin
(Chinese, 1869 - 1919)
Date19th century
PeriodQing dynasty (1644–1911)
CultureChinese
MediumDehua ware; porcelain with transparent glaze
ClassificationCeramics
Credit LineGift of Ira and Nancy Koger, 2001
Object numberSN11122.102
This image depicts Daoist immortal Liu Hai as a grinning, bare-chested young man. Liu Hai lived in the Five Dynasties era (907-960) and left his distinguished career as a Grand Councilor to become a hermit, a lifestyle that seems to be reflected here by his ruffled hair and jutting ribcage. He stands on a cloudy mount, holding a pearl in one hand and a three-legged toad in the other. The three-legged toad is an emblem of prosperity as well as a common companion for Liu Hai, who himself is a wealth god.
On View
On viewLocation
DimensionsOVERALL: 11 5/8 × 5 1/2 × 4 in. (29.5 × 14 × 10.2 cm)- Center for Asian Art, 3rd floor, Lobby, Case B
17th century
17th century
early 17th century
late 18th-19th century