EDO PERIOD (19TH CENTURY), SIGNED TOYOMASA (NAITO TOYOMASA; 1773-1856)

Chokaro (Zhang Guolao) is one of the eight Sennin (or Immortals) in Chinese Taoism and was revered as a symbol of healing and longevity. He was particularly known for riding thousands of miles a day on a magical white horse, who could travel unlimited distances without any food, water, or rest. When he was done riding, Chokaro would shrink his horse and store it. He is often depicted holding a gourd, which is an object with symbolic significance, believed to be a container for elixirs, magical potions, or mystical items. Therefore, the combination of Chokaro and the gourd symbolizes his Taoist powers and spiritual wisdom.
In Japanese culture, the gourd sometimes symbolizes health, longevity, wealth, or the power to heal. As a result, Chokaro is often depicted with a gourd in Japanese art, reflecting Japan's acceptance and reinterpretation of Taoist culture and the belief in the Eight Immortals.