Chinese Immortals [one of a pair] 1804

This hanging scroll, part of a pair created by Hara Zaichū in 1804, depicts a Chinese immortal. The painting showcases the artist's talent for capturing the mystical aura of these legendary figures. The immortal, depicted with a flowing beard and robes, gazes upwards towards a swirling cloud with a fly in it, signifying transcendence and connection to the spiritual realm. This artwork demonstrates the popularity of Chinese mythology within Japanese art during the Edo period and exemplifies the elegant brushwork and refined aesthetic characteristic of the artist's style.