Antiques are a journey through time, a glimpse into the past, and a connection to our heritage.

 The Eight Immortals (八仙) are a group of figures in Chinese mythology known for their immortality and magical abilities. They also represent different aspects of human nature and reflect the Daoist practice of  harmony and balance. While the Eight Immortals are often depicted as a group, each wields their own stories.

Learn more about each immortal below!

 He He Er Xian are two Daoist immortals who represent harmony (和，hé) and union (合，hé), especially in marriage. They are often depicted as two laughing twins, one holding a lotus flower (何，hé), the other holding a box (盒，hé). Their portraits are often hung in wedding halls and bridal chambers to bless couples with happiness and good fortune.

 Zhuang Yuan (状元) refers to the top scorer of the Imperial Palace Examination (殿试), the highest academic distinction in Imperial China. Achieving this title secured prestigious government positions and brought honor to the scholar. In traditional Chinese art, the Zhuang Yuan is often depicted wearing a scholar's hat and formal robes, highlighting the importance of education and intellectual success in Chinese culture. Bang Yan (榜眼) and Tan Hua (探花), the second and third place finishers, respectively, were also highly respected. Together, these scholars embodied the values of meritocracy, and offered a beacon of hope for upward mobility through academic excellence.

 Qilin (麒麟), often referred to as the "Chinese unicorn," is a mythical creature in Chinese culture combining features of various animals, such as the dragon, deer, horse, and ox. Despite its fierce appearance, the Qilin is a gentle and auspicious being, believed to appear only under the rule of a wise and benevolent leader, serving as an omen of peace and prosperity. Associated with peace, justice, virtue, and good fortune, Qilin has become a favored motif in Chinese art, often surrounded by flames to cement its celestial nature. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, high ranking military officials wore embroidered Qilin rank badges (麒麟送子),  further emphasizing its symbolism of harmony, authority, and auspicious rule.