Lot 34. A rare blue and white 'Eight Immortals' incense burner, tonglu, Kangxi period (1662-1722). Estimate £12,000 - 18,000 (€13,000 - 20,000). Photo: Bonhams.

Of cylindrical form with channelled rim, finely painted on the exterior with a continuous scene of the Eight Immortals each holding their various attributes together with Shoulao, the God of Longevity, seated beside a deer and attendant, all amidst a rocky landscape with pine and scrolling clouds, chevron borders at the rim and foot, wood stand. 19.8cm (7 7/8in) diam. (2). 

Provenance: a Scottish private collection 

Note: The theme of the Eight Immortals was popular on porcelain of the period and can be seen on an incense burner in the Butler Family Collection, illustrated in Seventeenth Century Jingdezhen Porcelain from the Shanghai Museum and the Butler Family collections, Shanghai, 2005, pp.64-65; pp.298-299; pp.308-309.

Bonhams. FINE CHINESE ART, 10 november 2016, 10:30 GMT, LONDON, NEW BOND STREET