AN UNUSUAL CELADON JADE 'EIGHT IMMORTALS' WASHER MING DYNASTY, 17TH CENTURY

surrounded on the exterior by the 'Eight Immortals', borne on a network of cloud-like waves that spiral outwards from a ring of swirling water that forms the foot, with Shoulao and his attendants in a lower register, various sea creatures hiding within the waves, the openwork decoration interrupted by a half open door flanked by a monkey and a demon clutching the rim on either side, a four-character inscription reading shou shan fu hai (mountain of longevity and sea of blessings) carved above a tortoise, the interior carved with a peach, the translucent stone of a pale grayish-green color with some opaque inclusions, wood stand (2)

There are some minute nicks along the edges One immortal is missing the top of a basket of flowers and another immortal with a slight nick to the tip of his attribute. The peach at the interior of the bowl with two small aperture. The profile of the bowl is slightly irregular, but this is most likely due to some unexpected inclusions found in the stone during carving.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This unusual bowl with its rich symbolism would have been intended as a birthday gift.  The Eight Immortals and Shoulao, the god of longevity bring wishes for a long life and happiness, and this idea is further reinforced by the four-character inscription. In addition, the peaches and the tortoise are also symbols of longevity. The motif of the immortals and the presence of the sea creatures also recall the tale of the Eight Immortals attending the birthday celebration of Xiwangmu, the Queen Mother of the West. To get to the banquet, the immortals had to cross a sea. They each took the opportunity to show off their various powers and crossed the sea using their different attributes and by summoning aid from the creatures of the sea. Hidden behind the half open door is probably the Daoist paradise and Xiwangmu's banquet.