China
Bowl with God of Longevity (Shoulao) and Eight Daoist Immortals
INV-1802
ChinaMing dynasty (1368–1644), Wanli reign mark and period (1572–1620)
Bowl with God of Longevity (Shoulao) and Eight Daoist Immortals
China
Chinese (culture or style)mingbowldish (vessel)
Date
Ming dynasty (1368–1644), Wanli reign mark and period (1572–1620)
Medium
Porcelain painted in underglaze blue and overglaze polychrome enamels
Dimensions
9 × 18.2 cm (3 1/2 × 7 1/8 in.); Diam.: 18.1 cm (7 1/8 in.)
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Location
Chicago, IL
Credit
Gift of Dorothy Braude Edinburg to the Harry B. and Bessie K. Braude Memorial Collection
The lively figures encircling the exterior of the bowl represent the Eight Daoist Immortals, a group of legendary and semi-historical characters, gathered in attendance around the God of Longevity. Elevated upon a floating seat, the God of Longevity is distinguished by his domed cranium and the “ruyi” scepter in his hand. The eight immortals, each identifiable by their unique physical features, companions, or attributes, symbolize immortality, longevity and happiness across various conditions of life.
The figures and the landscape background are rendered in underglaze cobalt blue and overglaze color enamels. The relatively thick and coarse body of the bowl is characteristic of late Ming porcelains.
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