Taoist figure of the Chinese culture, 19th century.

Taoist figure of Chinese culture, 19th century.
Polychrome wood.
Measurements: 48 cm (height).

The figure that we present seems to be imbued with a peace that agrees with the principles of inaction of Taoism. She is serenely seated. The extraordinarily elongated earlobes or the hair gathered in a bun on the crown of the head are, on the other hand, symbols of holiness that also apply to Buddha figures.

Taoism was created some 2500 years ago in China by Lao-Tzu, quoted by Confucius with the epithet "the dragon who rides the winds and clouds". His philosophy is contained in the Tao te Ching, "Book of reason and virtue", although the writings of Chuang-Tsu are also important. Taoism is, more than a dogmatic religion, a path of spirituality and personal realization, and so are its divinities. The Eight Immortals, or main Taoist divinities, are beings who reached perfection thanks to their positive actions, meditation and personal choices.