Lot 905. A famille-verte 'Immortals' rouleau vase, Qing dynasty, Kangxi period (1662-1722). Height 17  3/8  in., 44.1 cm. Estimate 25,000 — 35,000 USD. Lot sold 100,000 USD. Courtesy Sotheby's.

the cylindrical body set over a low straight foot and rising to a constricted neck and galleried rim, the body painted in bright enamels and gilt with Liu Hai lunging and holding a three-legged toad emitting a stream of vapor from its mouth, beside him one of the Hehe Erxian dancing and shaking coins from a long string, the coins falling onto the ground alongside scattered 'auspicious emblems', the other Hehe Erxian and Li Tieguai rushing over to snatch up the cash and emblems, each of the immortals finely painted with a lively facial expression, energetic movement, and richly detailed robes, the scene set in a grassy hillock with pine trees, rocks, and a table with further auspicious items, all between decorative bands at the foot and shoulder, the neck with a father, son, and attendant walking through a landscape.

Provenance: J.M. Hu Collection.
Sotheby's, 4th June 1985, lot 54.