Lao Tzu, or Lao-Tze, or Laozi (老子), commonly translated as "Old Master"), was an ancient Chinese philosopher and writer. He is the reputed author of the Tao Te Ching, the founder of philosophical Taoism, and a deity in religious Taoism and traditional Chinese religions. A semi-legendary figure, Lao Tzu is usually portrayed as a 6th-century B.C contemporary of Confucius in the Spring and Autumn period. Some modern historians consider him to have lived during the Warring States period of the 4th century B.C. A central figure in Chinese culture, Laozi is claimed by both the emperors of the Tang dynasty and modern people of the Li surname as a founder of their lineage. Laozi's work has been embraced by both various anti-authoritarian movements and Chinese Legalism. Laozi is traditionally regarded as the founder of Taoism, intimately connected with the Tao Te Ching and "primordial" (or "original") Taoism. Popular ("religious") Taoism typically presents the Jade Emperor as the official head deity. Intellectual ("elite") Taoists, such as the Celestial Masters sect, usually present Laozi (Laojun, "Lord Lao") and the Three Pure Ones at the top of the pantheon of deities. As a religious figure, he is worshipped under the name "Supreme Old Lord" or Taishang Laojun (太上老君, Tàishàng Lǎojūn) and as one of the "Three Pure Ones". Lived Around: 6th Century B.C or 4th Century B.C (As with all our NFT collectibles, the preview image is only a low-quality, small-sized sample. Once you purchase the NFT, SolSea will automatically send you the full-size, premium quality, original image)