YONGZHENG PERIOD (1723-1735)

The decoration on this beautifully enameled vase exhibits a dynamic, continuous scene of the Eight Daoist Immortals and Shoulao, formatted more in the style of earlier Shunzhi-period wares. Shoulao appears at the top of the scene floating on a colorful cloud with an attendant. The other immortals are each identified by their attributes: below Shoulao is Lan Caihe, holding a basket next to a deer, and Zhang Guolao, carrying two beaters with his bamboo pipe. Li Tieguai appears with his crutch and magical double gourd which emits a billowing vapor that contains a miniature image of his soul (hun). Zhongli Quan grasps the peach, as Han Xiangzi holds a flute and Lü Dongbin, patron of wine merchants and barbers, holds a jue and with a sword on his back. Cao Guojiu has the castinets and He Xian’gu carries a lotus flower. The single pine tree that divides the scene emphasizes the theme of long-life, which is re-enforced by the lingzhi fungus of immortality growing at its base. While the immortals appear to be one of the favorite subjects during the late Ming and Transitional period of the seventeenth century, their skilful depiction on this vase in the newly perfected famille rose enamels of the Yongzheng reign is rare.