Liu haichan was a chief minister during the early 10th century, but renounced the life of officialdom to pursue his interest in daoism. He learned how the make the elixir of immortality. It was said he had a three-legged toad which was able to spit out gold coins for people. In popular belief, displaying liu haichan’s image was a way to invoke the blessing of wealth on a household. — chester beatty library. Date: early 16th century. Place of creation: China during the Ming dynasty. Dimensions: 31.6 × 59.3 cm. Medium: gold, ink, paper. Collection: Shanghai Museum.
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