The imagery of the eight Daoist immortals above waves represents their legendary crossing of the sea, each showing their special prowess: Zhongli Quan with a bare belly, holding a peach and a fan; Li Tieguai, as a crippled beggar, leaning on his staff and holding a pilgrim's gourd; Lan Caihe with her flower basket; Han Xiangzi playing a flute; Cao Guoqiu playing the musical stones; Zhang Guolao with a musical instrument; Lu Dongbin, shown with a sword and a fly-swat; and He Xian'gu with a lotus flower.

Cf. a similar Qianlong-marked bowl from the Riesco collection included in the O. C. S. Exhibition of Chinese Blue and White Porcelain, London, 1954, illustrated in the Catalogue, no. 309; and a pair sold in these Rooms, 31 October 1994, lot 597.