Taoism Collection (#7)

Emperor Huizong (1082-1135) with the Buddhist sect Tao-See
Emperor Huizong (1082-1135), reign (1100-1126). Song dynasty. The emperor with the Buddhist sect Tao-See. Miniature from a History of the Emperors of China. Colour on silk. Chinese School

Taoism. Last phase of alchemical meditation. Chinese art. Engraving. FRANCE. Ό E-DE-FRANCE. Paris. National Library

The Mingsheng Temple in Jiufen, Ruifang District, Taiwan
Jiufen, (Jioufen or Chiufen), is a mountain area in the Ruifang District of New Taipei City near Keelung, Taiwan. Mingsheng temple is located within the mountain area

LAO-TZU (c604-531 B. C. ). Chinese philosopher and founder of Taoism. Lao-Tzu and the Jade Emperor
LAO-TZU (c604-531 B.C.). Chinese philosopher and founder of Taoism. Lao-Tzu and the Jade Emperor (left). Detail from a Chinese Taoist fresco, Lord of the Southern Dipper. Yuan Dynasty, c1300

Temple altar inside statue of the Taoist god Xuan Tian Shang Di, North Pole Pavilion, Lotus Pond, Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Pagoda on the North Pole Pavilion, Lotus Pond, Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Chinese philosopher and founder of Taoism. Line drawing
LAO-TZU (c604-531 B.C.). Chinese philosopher and founder of Taoism. Line drawing

Ksien-Ku, one of the Pa Hsien, the Eight Immortals of Taoism, and the only female. Chinese art. FRANCE. Paris. National Library

Evil Genie of the Taoist shamanism. Chinese art. FRANCE. Paris. National Library

Chinese philosopher. Chinese incense burner in the shape of a water buffalo and its rider
LAO-TZU (604-531 BC). Chinese philosopher. Chinese incense burner in the shape of a water buffalo and its rider, who is thought to be Lao-tzu. Bronze, Sung dynasty, 960-1127 AD

City God Temple, Old City, Shanghai, China

Thailand, Ko Phuket, Phuket. Dragon dancers and fireworks during the Phuket Vegetarian Festival. The 9 day religious festival celebrates spiritual and body cleansing for the local Chinese community

Longshan Temple
Money burning incinerator at Longshan Temple

Colourful, decorative colonade outside the entrance to the Cao Dai Temple in Sa Dec.The religion of Cao Daism was known to have been founded in 1926 by Ngo Van Chieu

Lao-Tzu, ancient Chinese philosopher and inspiration of Taoism, late 19th century. Lao-Tzu (fl 6th century BC) riding a buffalo

Fahua jar with openwork design showing the Eight Daoist Immortals, c1550. A porcelain jar dating from The Ming Period (1368-1644) of Jiangxi China, from The Eumorfopoulos collection

The Three Sake-tasters, c1700 (1886). Burlesque of an ancient picture typifying the three religions, Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. From an engraving after Okumura Masanobu

The Rishi Li Tieh-kwai despatching his spirit to the Mountains of the Immortals, 17th century, (1886)
The Rishi Li Tieh-kwai dispatching his spirit to the Mountains of the Immortals, 17th century, (1886). Kano School. From a picture after Kano Tanyu. From the Wa-kan meihitsu gwa yei

The Temple of Heaven, Peking, c1890. Artist: Laplante
The Temple of Heaven, Peking, c1890. Building in the Forbidden City, Beijing, China. Illustration from The Universal Geography with Illustrations and Maps, Division XIII, (Virtue & Co Limited)

The Taoist Immortal, Zhang Guolao, Chinese Ivory, Ming Dynasty, 17th century. Zhang Guo, better known as Zhang Guolao, is a Chinese mythological figure

The Taoist Immortal, Han Xiangzi, Ming Dynasty, 17th century. Chinese mythological figure and one of the Eight Immortals in the Taoist pantheon, often depicted carrying a dizi (Chinese flute)

The Taoist Immortal, Chung Li Ch Uan, Chinese Ivory, Ming Dynasty, 17th century. Chung-Li Ch uan. revives the souls of the dead with a wave of his fan

Chinese carving, Mountain with Daoist Immortals examing Ying Yang Diagram, 18th century. Quing Dynasty made of Bamboo root

Taoist Hermit, Chinese folk art, c1800. Made of wood

Chinese Bronze, A Taoist Emperor

Chinese Jade, Representation of Taoist Sacred Mountain with Hermits Hut, c1636-1912. Symbolised the retreat aspect of Taoism. Chi ing Dynasty

Chinese Jade Lion, symbolises energy for Taoists

The Chinese Star-god of Longevity. Shou-lao. Shou Lao is the three Daoist Gods of Fu (Good fortune) Lu (Prosperity) Shou (Longevity), who usually has a very prominent forehead

Chinese Bronze Cosmic Mirror, 2nd-3rd century. Taoist Symbolism; Centre shows 4 animals of Direction, then 12 Calendric animals of the Zodiac, then 28 Constellations and a Taoist inscription

Taoist Symbol in arrow shape, with trigrams of the I-Ching, Han Dynasty, 206 BC-220. The PI (heaven) and Tsung (Earth) with trigrams from the Book of Changes

Chinese Stoneware, Seated Daoist Deity, Ming Dynasty, 16th century. British Museum

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Taoism, an ancient Chinese philosophy and religion, encompasses a rich tapestry of beliefs and practices, and is deeply rooted in the principles of balance, harmony, and the pursuit of inner peace. One can catch a glimpse of Taoist spirituality through various cultural artifacts scattered across time and space. The enigmatic image of The Kitchen-God from 1922 captures the mystique surrounding this tradition's deities. Its unknown creator skillfully portrays a divine figure associated with domestic affairs, symbolizing blessings upon households. The teachings of Lao-Tse, Confucius, and Buddha have also influenced Taoism over centuries. These great thinkers shaped its philosophical underpinnings while emphasizing compassion, wisdom, and self-realization. In Southeast Asia's Thian Hock Keng Taoist temple stands Mazu sea goddess—a revered deity believed to protect seafarers. This sacred site in Singapore serves as a testament to Taoism's enduring presence throughout the region. Further south lies Cebu City in the Philippines where another Taoist temple stands tall—its vibrant colors reflecting devotion to spiritual enlightenment amidst bustling city life. The iconic Yin Yang symbol embodies one of Taoism's fundamental concepts—the harmonious interplay between opposing forces such as light and dark or masculine and feminine energies—an eternal dance that maintains cosmic equilibrium. Delving deeper into its mystical aspects reveals Chinese eroticism depicted in Sou Nu King—a treatise on sexual initiation dating back to the 4th century A. D. Within these pages lies an exploration of sensuality intertwined with spiritual growth—an embodiment of Taoist beliefs regarding physical intimacy as a path towards transcendence. Xuan Wu (Tran Vu), a bronze statue residing within Quan Thanh Temple in Ba Dinh District exudes strength and protection—a representation of one aspect within the pantheon worshipped by followers seeking guidance along their spiritual journey.