Large plate depicting an immortal paradise

The paradise depicted in the center of this large plate borrows elements from both Daoism and a popular legend about scholars living in seclusion. Each of the four old men inhabiting the rocky land in the foreground carries or is accompanied by a symbolic attribute: one is accompanied by a deer—the word for deer is a pun for official income; a second carries a feather fan, the magic device of a Daoist immortal; the third has a walking stick, associated with long life; and the fourth a double gourd in which to hold sacred potion. They are accompanied by two young servants, one presenting peaches, another symbol of longevity. The other carries books and other items representing a Daoist sutra or secret recipes for magic elixirs.

Sitting on a high plateau with their arms resting on scrolls, two other men are dressed in scholar's robes, calling to mind the legendary sages who escaped corrupt urban society to live in peace in remote mountains.

Images such as these are frequently found in paintings and on objects, all representing blessings and well wishes.