Lot 4. A blue and white and copper-red 'Immortals' bowl, Qianlong seal mark and of the period (1736-1795); 22.2cm (8 3/4in) diam. Estimate HK$ 180,000 - 240,000 (€21,000 - 28,000). Unsold. © Bonhams 2001-2016.

Decorated around the exterior with the Eight Daoist Immortals on a ground of copper-red crested waves, the interior with a central medallion enclosing Shoulao beside a deer holding a staff, the base with a six-character zhuanshuseal mark. 

Provenance: Wilfred A. Evill (d.1963)
Bluett & Sons, London
According to the family, acquired by Hans Goldstein probably between 1948-1981 and thence by descent

Note: The Eight Immortals, a group of legendary deities depicted in Chinese Daoist mythology, are led by Lu Dongbin, and consists of another seven members named He Xiangu, Lan Caihe, Zhang Guolao, Han Xiangzi, Zhongli Quan, Li Tieguai and Cao Guojiu.

The scene depicted on the present lot of the Eight Immortals traversing through crashing waves, is a reference to the well-known Ming dynasty folklore, 'The Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea'. Legend has it that the Eight Immortals were en route to attend the Conference of the Magical Peach when they encountered an ocean. Exercising their individual abilities, each by using their unique tools that are depicted with the figures on the present lot, they crossed the vast body of water. The Chinese proverb of Baxian guohai, gexian shentong is derived from this legend, whereby it bears the moral of each individual doing their part to make a plan successful.

Bowls of this type were also produced in blue and white and are rarer still in doucai enamels. See a blue and white bowl with the Immortals on the exterior, Yongzheng mark and period, from the collection of Sir Harry Garner, illustrated by S.Jenyns, Later Chinese Porcelain, London, 1971, pl.LX. 

Compare a bowl of similar size and decoration sold at Christie's New York, 22-23 March 2012, lot 2010; see also another sold at Christie's New York, 19-20 September 2013, lot 1409.

BONHAMS. FINE CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART, 4 Jun 2015 10:30 HKT - HONG KONG, ADMIRALTY