CHANG KUO-LAO

Pinyin Zhang Guolao, also called (WadeGiles romanization) Chang Kuo, in Chinese mythology, one of the Pa Hsien, the Eight Immortals of Taoism. In art he is depicted carrying a phoenix feather and the peach of immortality; he rides (often backward) on a marvelous mule that is capable of being folded like paper when not in use. Chang claimed to have been born in prehistoric times. Legends about him, however, seem to have accrued to a historical personality who lived in the 7th century and was summoned to the Imperial palace by two T'ang dynasty emperors. Chang, much preferring a secluded life to government appointments, refused to go. It is related, nonetheless, that on one occasion Chang visited the court of Emperor Hsan Tsung (reigned 712756) to perform feats of magic. In later times his picture adorned nuptial chambers, for he reputedly bestowed children on newly married couples.