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Li Tieguai

Li Tieguai

Li Tieguai

Li Tieguai, known as "Li of the Iron Staff," is the eighth and final immortal on the embroidered screen. He was a vital and handsome man, but once as his soul left his body to seek wisdom with the gods, his caretakers mistakenly cremated him. Having no body to inhabit, his soul entered the lame, crippled body of a beggar who had just died, and it is in this form that he performs his good deeds. A dispenser of medicine and assistance, Li Tieguai wears a gourd across his shoulder in which he stores his cures.  A bat flutters nearby. The word for bat in Chinese is fu, which also means happiness and explains the benevolent symbolism of the bat. Beside him is a dog, signifying vigilance and guardianship.

Last modified March 30, 2007 10:41:29 PM EDT

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