Lot 462. A pair of underglaze blue and copper-red 'Immortals' bowls, Kangxi marks and period. Diameter 7 3/8 in., 18.7 cm. Estimation 100,000 — 150,000 USD. Unsold. Photo Sotheby's.

the shallow rounded sides painted in underglaze blue with the 'Eight Immortals', each holding their characteristic attribute, riding on a variety of sea creatures and emblems, including a fish, a mythical beast, a lotus leaf, a staff and a musical instrument, all against a ground of breaking waves in copper-red above a band of key-fret around the foot, the interior with a medallion of Shou Lao and his deer amid similar swirling waves, six-character marks in underglaze blue within a double circle (2). 

Provenance: Estate of Dr. Lewis C. Walmsley, Toronto

The 'Eight Immortals' were sages who could be identified by their attributes. The bowls depict the 'Eight Immortals' crossing the rough sea after attending the peach banquet of the Queen Mother of the West. Rather than traveling by their clouds, they combined their powers to sail pass the tempest. The proverb is a lesson on how individual strengths and gifts can be used to tackle the same obstacle.

Two Kangxi mark and period bowls with similar decoration were sold, first in our London rooms, 26th June 1973, lot 308, and another in our Hong Kong rooms, 31st October 1974, lot 229.

Sotheby's. FINE CHINESE CERAMICS & WORKS OF ART. 18 MARS 2014 - 19 MARS 2014. NEW YORK -www.sothebys.com