LAN CAI-HE

[Chinese] One of the Chinese Ba Xian. He is dressed in rags, wears a belt made of black wood, and wears a boot on one feet while the other one is bare. In summer he would wear a thick overcoat but dress lightly in winter. His breath is like hot steam. According to legend he roamed the streets as a beggar, accompanying his songs with castanets, drunk most of the time. When people gave him money, he would string the coins on a cord which he dragged behind him. One day he entered an inn, stripped off his clothes, and disappeared into the clouds, riding on a crane. Lan Cai-he is sometimes portrayed with female features. In his hand he carries a basket of flowers.