China: Xiwangmu, The Queen Mother of the West. In this hanging scroll painting the Queen Mother of the West celebrates her birthday, c. 19th century. Xiwangmu, the Queen Mother of the West, is a goddess in Chinese religion. Though she is most often connected to Daoism, her existence and worship predates organised Daoism, with information tracing back to oracle bone inscriptions form the 15th century BCE. She is believed to be the dispenser of longevity, prosperity and eternal bliss. Xiwangmu lives in the Kunlun Mountains, and all women who have attained immortality are under her rule.

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Size: 3100px × 5669px
Photo credit: © Pictures From History / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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