Who painted Liu Haichan?

Liu Haichan was painted by Unknown in 1304.

Where can I see Liu Haichan?

Liu Haichan is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Liu Haichan?

Liu Haichan is associated with Yuan dynasty literati painting.

Artwork

Liu Haichan

Unknown , 1304

Liu Haichan is an unspecified painting by the Yuan dynasty literati painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1304 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.: 1982.29.2
Credit line: Edward L. Whittemore Fund

About this work

You see a Daoist immortal, young, with bangs, teasing a three-legged toad with a string of coins.

This man, Liu Haichan, was once a grand councilor who quit to live as a hermit. The toad and coins turned him into a god of wealth. The painting feels playful, like a folk tale you’d hear at a market stall.

For more like this, look up china, yuan dynasty (1271-1368).

Overview

This painting depicts Liu Haichan, a Daoist immortal, in a playful scene with a three-legged toad and a string of coins.

Subject & Meaning

Liu Haichan is shown as a youthful figure with bangs, teasing the toad with coins tied to his waist. The toad and coins are symbols of wealth, reflecting Liu's association with prosperity.

History & Provenance

The painting dates to the Yuan dynasty (1271-1368), a period of Mongol rule in China.

Context

Liu Haichan was a legendary figure said to have lived during the Five Dynasties period and abandoned his official post to become a hermit.