Cao Guojiu

Cao Guojiu

Cao Guojiu, patron of the theatrical profession, is the third image on the scroll. He was the brother of the Empress Cao, and he is always depicted wearing an imperial court dress. Another brother’s crimes led him to seek a holy life; it was because of his diligent pursuit and dedication to this that the other seven immortals selected him to join them. Beside him is a qilin, the emblem of "perfect good" and the attendant goals of wisdom in administration, felicity, and accomplished descendants. These Chinese unicorns appear at the birth of a good and wise ruler.