Pictorial brick from Lüliang depicts immortal playing with dragon-horse

This is a pictorial brick from the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220), which once served as both an architectural material and a tomb decoration. It is a rectangular stone slab bordered with scrolling grass motifs. The center features a shallow relief carving depicting an immortal with hair, beard and a long robe, holding celestial grass and interacting with a dragon-horse. Two birds are carved below the horse, with a persimmon calyx motif at the bottom (a good luck symbol).

This vivid scene reflects the Han people's longing for the immortal realm and their prayers for a harmonious, prosperous society. Currently, the treasure is housed in Lüliang Museum in Shanxi province.