Lot 38. A wucai 'Immortal' dish, Wanli six-character mark and of the period (1573-1620); 19.2cm (7 1/2in) diam. Estimate: 6,000 - 8,000 (€ 6,900 - 9,200). © Bonhams 2001-2019

With gently everted rim, decorated on the interior with an immortal standing in a garden, holding a ruyi sceptre and accompanied by two acolytes carrying respectively a coral vase and a bottle issuing vaporous air, all amidst flowering shrubs and wispy clouds and enclosed by a border of leafy scrolls interspersed with double gourds, the reverse with the Eight Buddhist Emblems growing from blossoming lotus, the base inscribed with a six-character mark within double-circles. 

Note: For related wucai dishes, Wanli, decorated with figures in landscapes, see M.K.Hearn, Splendors of Imperial China: Treasures from the National Palace Museum, Taipei, 1996, pl.78, p.106; and J.Ho Yi Hsing, The Fame of Flame: Imperial Wares of the Jiajing and Wanli periods, Hong Kong, 2009, pp.288–289, no.115, and pp.292-293, no.117.