Lao Tse Collection

Lao-Tse, Confucius and Buddha
Lao-Tse presenting the child Confucius to Sakyamuni (Buddha).Lao-tse was a philosopher of Ancient China and the founder of philosophical Taoism

Laozi Riding an Ox, Between 1368 and 1644. Artist: Zhang Lu (1464-1538)
Laozi Riding an Ox, Between 1368 and 1644. Found in the collection of the National Palace Museum, Taipei

Sakyamuni, Laozi and Confucius, Between 1368 and 1644. Artist: Chinese Master
Sakyamuni, Laozi and Confucius, Between 1368 and 1644. Found in the collection of the Freer Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C

Laozi. Artist: Anonymous
Laozi. From a private collection

Laozi, 1943. Artist: Roerich, Nicholas (1874-1947)
Laozi, 1943. Found in the collection of the State Oriental Art Museum, Moscow

Also known as the Three Pure Ones. Tao-Chun, Yu-Huang and Lao Tse. Line drawing
TAOIST TRINITY. Also known as the Three Pure Ones. Tao-Chun, Yu-Huang and Lao Tse. Line drawing

Lao Tse, Chinese philosopher and founder of Taoism. Lao Tse, who is thought to have lived in the 4th or 6th century BC, is said to have written the Tao Te Ching, the central text of Taoism

LAO-TZU (c604-531 B. C. ). Chinese philosopher and founder of Taoism. Lao-Tzu and the Jade Emperor
LAO-TZU (c604-531 B.C.). Chinese philosopher and founder of Taoism. Lao-Tzu and the Jade Emperor (left). Detail from a Chinese Taoist fresco, Lord of the Southern Dipper. Yuan Dynasty, c1300

Chinese philosopher and founder of Taoism. Line drawing
LAO-TZU (c604-531 B.C.). Chinese philosopher and founder of Taoism. Line drawing

Chinese philosopher. Chinese incense burner in the shape of a water buffalo and its rider
LAO-TZU (604-531 BC). Chinese philosopher. Chinese incense burner in the shape of a water buffalo and its rider, who is thought to be Lao-tzu. Bronze, Sung dynasty, 960-1127 AD

Chinese religious leaders, known as the three holy ones. Confucius (551-479 BC, lower left) founded the quasi-religious system of Confucianism

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Lao Tse, also known as Laozi, was a prominent Chinese philosopher and the founder of Taoism. His teachings have had a profound impact on Eastern philosophy and spirituality. In ancient China, Lao Tse's wisdom was often compared to that of Confucius and Buddha. These three great thinkers each offered unique perspectives on life, ethics, and spiritual enlightenment. The artistic depictions of Laozi riding an ox by Zhang Lu and the painting featuring Sakyamuni (Buddha), Laozi, and Confucius showcase the reverence with which he is regarded in Chinese culture. Throughout history, artists have been inspired by Lao Tse's teachings. Anonymous artists captured his essence in their portrayal of him alone while Roerich depicted him in 1943 amidst turbulent times, and is associated with the Three Pure Ones - Tao-Chun, Yu-Huang, and himself - symbolizing purity and divine power. One intriguing artifact from the Sung dynasty is a bronze incense burner shaped like a water buffalo carrying its rider believed to be Lao-tzu. This showcases how deeply ingrained his image has become in Chinese religious iconography. As we explore these various representations of this revered philosopher throughout time, it becomes evident that his influence extends far beyond mere words or ideas; it permeates artistry itself. Lao Tse's legacy lives on through his timeless teachings about harmony with nature, simplicity in living, and embracing the flow of life. He continues to inspire countless individuals seeking inner peace and spiritual growth even today.