Imperial Uncle Cao
Cao Guojiu, literally Imperial Brother-in-law Cao, is a Chinese mythological figure and one of the Eight Immortals in the Taoist pantheon. His real name was Cao Yi while his courtesy name was Jingxiu, and he was better known to his contemporaries as Cao Jingxiu. Cao's younger brother, Cao Jingzhi (曹景植), abused his relationship with the imperial family by bullying others and engaging in corrupt practices.
Also recorded as Cao Yi · Gongbo · Royal Uncle Cao · Imperial Maternal Uncle Cao
Imperial Uncle Cao
Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
- Born
- 1018
- Died
- 1089
- Nationality
- Song dynasty
- Occupation
- poet
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Cao Guojiu, literally Imperial Brother-in-law Cao, is a Chinese mythological figure and one of the Eight Immortals in the Taoist pantheon. His real name was Cao Yi while his courtesy name was Jingxiu, and he was better known to his contemporaries as Cao Jingxiu. Cao's younger brother, Cao Jingzhi (曹景植), abused his relationship with the imperial family by bullying others and engaging in corrupt practices.
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Biography
Biography
Cao tried to persuade his brother to change his ways but he did not listen. In the meantime, he also used his family fortune to help the poor and tried to make up for his brother's misdeeds. One day, Cao Jingzhi was accused by other officials in the imperial court of corruption and abuse of power. Cao Guojiu felt so ashamed and disappointed by his brother's misconduct that he gave up his official career and went to the countryside to lead a reclusive life. During this time, he met the immortals Zhongli Quan and Lü Dongbin, who taught him Taoist magical arts. After many years of practice and cultivation, Cao himself also became an immortal. In other versions of his myth, he was Emperor Renzong's actual brother and attempted to reform Renzong due to his political corruption. Cao is often depicted dressed in official robes and holding a jade tablet or paiban (clapper). He is also regarded as the patron deity of acting and theatre.
Figurine of Cao Guojiu wood with silver inlay Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) Beijing China
Mary Harrsch
Key facts
Key facts
• Title — Cao Guojiu • Piccap — Zhang Lu's painting of Cao Guojiu, early 16th century • Altname — Cao Yi • C2 — 曹佾 • P2 — Cáo Yì • W2 — Tsao I • J2 — Cou4 Jat6 • Y2 — Chòuh Yaht • Altname3 — Jingxiu • C3 — 景休 • P3 — Jǐngxiū • W3 — Ching-hsiu • J3 — Ging2 Jau1 • Y3 — Gíng Yāu
Notes from the source article
Cited by Wikipedia
Notes from the source article
These works are cited by the source article, in its own numbering. They are recorded as its citations, not as sources VALÉORINE has verified.
- 1.Werner, Edward Theodore Chalmers. Myths and Legends of China. George Harrap. 300–303. 1984.
- 2.Stark, Rodney. Discovering God: The Origins of the Great Religions and the Evolution of Belief. HarperOne. 409. 2007. 978-0-06-117389-9.
- 3.Cao Goujiu. Encyclopedia Britannica. 2010.
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