Qianlong, c1775

An unusual bowl of slightly canted form, depicting the eight Daoist on concentric waves, painted in famille rose enamels heightened with gilt,

the waves and foam of bianco sopra bianco. The Eight Immortals were persons who, for various reasons, achieved immortality. Three were historical

characters and the rest were legendary. The tradition is not believed to date from before the latter part of the Song dynasty.

The Immortals are as follows, from center large grouping:

Li Tieguai, a magician, sometimes known as “Iron Crutch”, shown as a crippled and on a crutch and holding a gourd, with worshipers to the left

Zhungli Quan, seated holding a fan, (elixir of life and power of transmutation)

Zhang Gualao, holding a long stick and drum, said to have lived in the 7^th century

Lan Zaihe, patron saint of florists, holding a flower basket

Han Xiangzi, patron saint of musicians, holding a flute (power to make flowers grow)

Zoa Guozhui, patron saint of the theatre, holding castanets

Lu Dongbin, patron saint of barbers, holding a sword, worshiped by the sick and rids the world of evils, said to live in the 8^th century

He Xiamgu, the female sage, with a family, said to have lived in the 7^th century (assisting in house management)

Condition: very good; one minute rim nick; one 2” invisible hairline from rim; good ring

10 ¼” Diameter

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#5110

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