This figure, one of the eight Daoist Immortals presided over by Shoulao, is represented seated, with long white beard, holding a yugu (bamboo drum) in his right hand. He wears a lime green robe, decorated with Shou medallions and stylised clouds, with a white girdle. The hexagonal base has a diaper pattern, a flower in the front and a lozenge between two flowers behind.

Zhang Guolao was reputed to have ridden a white mule, which at the end of his journey he folded up and put in his wallet. When needed again, he took it out, unfolded it, squirted water from his mouth and turned it back into a mule.

Literature: Anthony du Boulay, The Duberly Collection of Chinese Art at Winchester College (Winchester, 2019), p. 85

Provenance: Bequeathed as part of the Duberly Collection, 1978; purchased by Major Montagu and Lady Eileen Duberly from Frank Partridge & Son, 13 March 1952, together with its pair (Ch89) (£90)

Location: Not on display