Lot 462
  • 462

A PAIR OF UNDERGLAZE BLUE AND COPPER-RED 'IMMORTALS' BOWLS KANGXI MARKS AND PERIOD

Estimate
100,000 - 150,000 USD
bidding is closed

Description

  • Porcelain bowls
the shallow rounded sides painted in underglaze blue with the 'Eight Immortals', each holding their characteristic attribute, riding on a variety of sea creatures and emblems, including a fish, a mythical beast, a lotus leaf, a staff and a musical instrument, all against a ground of breaking waves in copper-red above a band of key-fret around the foot, the interior with a medallion of Shou Lao and his deer amid similar swirling waves, six-character marks in underglaze blue within a double circle (2)

Provenance

Estate of Dr. Lewis C. Walmsley, Toronto.

Condition

One bowl in good condition, the other with a restored glaze flake to the exterior of the rim with associated overpainting. Both bowls with scattered burst air bubbles and iron spots.
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.

Catalogue Note

The 'Eight Immortals' were sages who could be identified by their attributes. The bowls depict the 'Eight Immortals' crossing the rough sea after attending the peach banquet of the Queen Mother of the West. Rather than traveling by their clouds, they combined their powers to sail pass the tempest. The proverb is a lesson on how individual strengths and gifts can be used to tackle the same obstacle.

Two Kangxi mark and period bowls with similar decoration were sold, first in our London rooms, 26th June 1973, lot 308, and another in our Hong Kong rooms, 31st October 1974, lot 229.