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2) Li Tie-guai (with pilgrim's gourd and iron crutch)
reverse
China
Eight Immortal Daoists
Ivory,
c. 1900
17" H by 3-7/8" W by 3-1/8" D
Gift of the James P. Whiterow Family
1984: 13.2

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Because of his great skill at magic, Li Tie guai was able to free his soul from his body and to aid others in the celestial realm. His attributes are a beggar’s crutch and gourd because once, while his spirit was gone from his body, a disciple decided that Li Tie guai was dead and burned his body. When Li Tie guai’s soul returned from its travels, he was forced to enter the body of a beggar.

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