The composition of the mammoth tusk "Chaoyuan Prosperity" is a large-scale work of artistic carving inspired by Taoist mythology and classical Chinese painting. The famous scroll "Eighty-seven Immortals", attributed to the great master of the Tang era Wu Daozi, served as the basis for the composition. Sculpture transfers this ancient subject from the plane of painting into a three-dimensional space, turning the legend into a complex three-dimensional scene.
The composition depicts a celestial procession in which the Emperor of the Central Sky leads numerous immortals on a journey to the Heavenly Palace. According to Taoist legend, more than eighty celestials embark on a solemn journey through the heavenly realms. This procession symbolizes the harmony of the cosmos and the blessing of an era of prosperity that extends to the whole world.
The upper part of the composition resembles a mountain skyscape. Ancient pine trees rise among the cliffs of Sanqingling, and the space is filled with clouds tinged with purple hues — a traditional sign of an auspicious celestial omen. Gods and goddesses march through these clouds, accompanying the heavenly lord. Their figures move as if in a ritual dance, creating a feeling of a solemn heavenly celebration.
Special expressiveness is achieved thanks to the craftsmanship of the carving. Chu Chongxing, a world—renowned master of mammoth tusk carving, uses a variety of material processing techniques. Deep free carving creates the dynamics of the figures, giving the celestials liveliness and character. Each figure has its own pose, gesture, and expression, making the composition full of movement.
The folds of clothes, ornaments and decorative elements are made in the technique of fine bas-relief. The flowing lines resemble clouds and streams of water, which creates a feeling of lightness and floating. The robes of the celestials seem to sway in the heavenly wind, enhancing the impression of a fabulous space.
The Prosperity of Chaoyuan combines ancient mythology, Chinese painting traditions and the highest carving skills. The work not only has exceptional artistic value, but also conveys the philosophical idea of heavenly harmony, in which the divine world blesses the earth and opens an era of peace and prosperity.
Tusk length: about 340 cm.
The thickness of the tusk carving is approximately 43 cm.
