Zhongli Quan Crossing the Ocean - Zhao Qi

A Ming Dynasty depiction of the immortal Zhongli Quan traversing the sea, rendered in ink and colour on silk.

This work depicts Zhongli Quan, one of the Eight Immortals in Chinese mythology, traversing the sea. The figure is shown with a characteristic exposed belly and a full beard, holding a gourd, which is his traditional attribute. The artist, Zhao Qi, active during the early 16th century, employs a precise line-work style typical of Ming Dynasty figure painting. The robes are rendered with fluid, controlled strokes that suggest movement, while the facial features are defined with a high degree of anatomical attention.

The background consists of stylised, rhythmic waves that fill the pictorial space. These patterns create a sense of motion, contrasting with the relative stillness of the immortal figure. The use of ink and muted colour on silk provides a soft, aged appearance, typical of works from this period. The composition focuses on the central figure, who stands atop the turbulent water, conveying the supernatural nature of the subject. The attention to the texture of the waves and the folds of the garments demonstrates the technical skill expected of professional painters during the Ming era.

Zhongli Quan is often associated with alchemy and the elixir of life, and his depiction here reflects his status as a deity. The work serves as a clear example of the iconographic traditions surrounding the Eight Immortals, which remained popular throughout the Ming and Qing dynasties. The balanced composition and the clear delineation of the subject make this a representative piece of religious art from the period. The muted palette, dominated by earth tones and faded pigments, allows the viewer to focus on the draughtsmanship and the narrative elements of the scene.