Lu Dongbin (吕洞宾), a poet and scholar who lived during the Tang dynasty (唐朝 618-907), is one of the rare historical figures who attained the status of an “immortal” in popular culture.
He is perhaps the best known of the Chinese “Eight Immortals” (八仙).
Chinese charm with the inscription “Great Emperor of Trustworthy Protection” referring to Lu Dongbin
Over the centuries, Lu Dongbin was posthumously honored with a number of titles.
Emperor Wuzong of Yuan (元武宗) bestowed upon him the title “Imperial Lord of Trustworthy Protection” (fu you di jun 孚佑帝君).
A popular derivation of this title can be seen on the old charm shown at the left.
The inscription reads fu you da di (孚佑大帝) which translates as the “Great Emperor of Trustworthy Protection”.
A circle with a dot in the middle takes the place of the square hole found in the center of most Chinese charms.
Portrait of Lu Dongbin in high relief on an old Chinese charm
The reverse side of the charm, shown at the left, has a portrait of Lu Dongbin sculpted in very high relief.
In his right hand is a “fly whisk” (拂尘) which allows him to walk on clouds or fly to the heavens.
Lu Dongbin was known for his drinking and fighting ability.
Extending outward from his left shoulder can be seen the hilt of a sword which he carries across his back.
This is his famous devil-slaying sword (宝剑) which symbolizes victory over evil.
This specimen is a nice example of a Lu Dongbin charm from the Qing dynasty (清朝 1644-1912), and the bronze has acquired an attractive patina.
For a further discussion of Lu Dongbin charms, please see Daoist Charms.