這套八仙雕像的材料是印度小葉紫檀老料。小葉紫檀被譽為中國三大名木之一，原因是它色澤圓滿，而且木質堅硬，不會因長時間擺放而乾裂或變形。小葉紫檀原木的生長速度極為緩慢，需要500至800年才能成為木雕的材料。加上這種木材從明清兩代至此一直在宮廷和上流社會深受歡迎，現在已被國際自然保護聯盟列為頻危植物，所以收藏家也不容易在市面上找到心頭好。

This set of Eight Immortals sculptures are made of Red Sandalwood. Red Sandalwood is considered one of the Chinese trio of exquisite trees because of its hardness and its rich colour and lustre. Unlike other types of wood, Red Sandalwood does not dry up or crack over time. As a tree, it grows very slowly. It takes up to 500 to 800 years for it to become ready for carving. Besides, Red Sandalwood has been hugely popular in palaces and among the upper class since the Ming and Qing dynasties, leading to overlogging and the current classification as an endangered species by the IUCN. So even for collectors alike, it isn’t easy to find a gem like this on the market.

這種傳統雕藝在明清時代步入巔峰，一代一代流轉至今。八仙雕像的特點是他們分別代表了男女老幼富貴貧賤，每個都有自己獨特的神態形貌。在創作的過程中，雕匠鑿粗胚、挖細胚。在眼睛、毛髮和他們的身上的法器都是精雕細琢的成果。經過修光打磨後，更表現出木質的圓潤色澤和層次感。

The art of traditional Chinese wood carving matured and peaked in the Ming and Qing dynasties, with the craftsmanship passed on by generations of dedicated artists. This set of sculptures showcase the different personal characteristics of the eight immortals, namely male, female, old, young, rich, poor, noble and lowly. Each of them manifests their unique features and countenance. While creating these sculptures, the artist chisel and refine fine details of their eyes, hair and the magical gadgets they carry. Through polishing, it further brings out the layers and rich colour inherent in the Red Sandalwood.

根據佛教典故，釋迦牟尼有十六位達到修行最高層次的弟子。為了令眾生有聽佛法的機緣，釋迦牟尼吩咐這十六位弟子永遠留在人世間，并分佈於各地弘揚佛法、引導眾生向善。

As depicted in Buddhism, the Arhats are 16 disciples of Shakyamuni (Gautama Buddha) who have reached the state of Nirvana and are free of worldly cravings. With a compassion for all living things, Shakyamuni asked his 16 disciples to remain in the secular world, so as to spread Buddhist doctrines far and wide. 

當佛教傳到中國後，十六羅漢成為藝術家創作的題材。在唐代末年更從十六羅漢演變成十八羅漢。

As Buddhism gained popularity in China, the 16 Arhats have become a popular subject among artists. In Chinese folklore, the number of Arhats has increased from 16 to 18 in the late Tang dynasty.

1. 達摩打坐 Dharma sitting in meditation (3.58 KG)

2. 達摩托缽 Dharma holding an alms bowl (1.53 KG)

3. 托缽羅漢 Arhat holding an alms bowl (3.6 KG)

4. 伏虎羅漢 Arhat subduing a tiger (3 KG)

5. 濟公 Jigong/ Daoji (4.7 KG)

6. 農夫 Peasant (1.8 KG)

1. 關公 Guan Yu

2. 飛天達摩 Dharma in flight

3. 達摩面壁 Dharma sits facing the wall in meditation

4. 達摩合掌 Dharma with clasped hands

5. 達摩後仰 Standing Dharma

6. 鐘馗出巡 Zhong Kui on patrol

1. 靈芝 Lingzhi/Reishi mushroom

2. 蘇軾 Su Shi (Writer and calligrapher from the Song Dynasty)

3. 船夫 Boatman

4. 擺件 Ornament

5. 童僕 Child servant

八仙雕像的材料為印度小葉紫檀，重22.44公斤。托盤的材料為黑檀木，重25.88公斤。雕像連托盤合共48.32公斤。

The Eight Immortals sculpture is made of Red Sandalwood, and is 22.44 KG in weight. The display stand is made of African Blackwood, and is 25.88 KG in weight. Together the item weighs 48.32 KG.