Two small blue and white 'Immortals' cups, Yongzheng six-character marks within double circles and of the period (1726-1735). Estimate HK$1,500,000 - HK$1,800,000 ($200,000 - $230,000). Price Realized HK$2,080,000 ($269,370). Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2015

Each bowl is finely painted to the exterior with the Eight Daoist Immortals, Baxian, holding their various attributes, standing upon a band of waves. The interiors are decorated with a central medallion enclosing a scene of Shoulao seated below a pine tree, beside a stag and two bats in flight. 3 in. (7.6 cm.) diam., box (2)

Notes: The scene depicted on the current cups is the legend of the Eight Daoist Immortals Crossing the Sea. No other Yongzheng-marked cup of this design and size appears to be published. However, Yongzheng-marked bowls painted with the same theme though in a slightly different rendition are known, such as the example illustrated in Qingdai ciqi shangjian, Hong Kong, 1994, p. 99, no. 119, where each immortal is depicted standing on top of a cluster of clouds. 

CHRISTIE'S. THE IMPERIAL SALE & IMPORTANT CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART, 3 June 2015, Convention Hall