Eighteen Arhats, Eight Immortals

Author: Li Shuyun
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-06-01
Features: The history of Chinese divinity culture is long-standing and an important component of Huaxia civilization. The dissemination of divinity culture relies not only on written forms such as scriptures, Buddhist texts, mythical tales, and storytelling, but also on popular art forms like theater, ballads, sculptures, and paintings that resonate with the common people. The Eighteen Arhats and the Eight Immortals, representing branches of Buddhism and Taoism respectively, are widely recognized. Through the efforts and dedication of scholars, writers, painters, and craftsmen across generations, they have vividly interpreted their own visions of the Eighteen Arhats and the Eight Immortals, leaving behind a splendid legacy for future generations in the long river of time.
The Eighteen Arhats and the Eight Immortals, revered by the public, not only provide spiritual solace but also spread the ideal of a like-minded group that Chinese people tirelessly pursue—a spirit of teamwork that is highly valued today. Today, we have compiled contemporary masterpieces of Taoist and Buddhist figure paintings—the Eighteen Arhats and the Eight Immortals—into this collection, hoping to bring readers visual artistic enjoyment. More importantly, we hope to continue and spread this traditional Chinese culture and virtue of teamwork in our generation, as we align with the world today.