We have searched high and low for any clue as to what immortal is known for riding on an elephant – all to no avail. However, from the many representation that we have seen of T’ieh-kuai Li - also known as Iron Crutch Li – we think it might could be him. Almost every painting of Iron Crutch Li has the same craggy face and beard and carries a gourd in his left hand. If one looks carefully at the pole over his shoulder, there is a hint of a sharp bend which would also match the iron crutch that this immortal carried. Why he would be portrayed riding an elephant is a mystery – the elephant is a symbol of wisdom, strength and prudence.

T'ieh-kuai Li, Japanese: Tekkai) is sometimes said to be the most ancient and popular of the Eight Immortals of the Taoist pantheon. He is sometimes described irascible and ill-tempered, but also benevolent to the poor, sick and the needy, whose suffering he alleviates with special medicine from his gourd (calabash ). He is often portrayed as an ugly old man with dirty face, scraggy beard, and messy hair held by a golden band. He walks with the aid of an iron crutch (t'ieh kuai) and often has a gourd slung over his shoulder or held in his hand