明嘉靖 青花「八仙過海」圖小罐 《大明嘉靖年造》款

of globular form supported on a splayed foot, finely painted around the exterior in shaded tones of cobalt with the Eight Immortals, each standing among clouds over undulous waves holding their respective attribute, against thick billows of clouds surging from a band of detached foliate sprays around the foot, the incurved rim encircled with a double line, the countersunk base inscribed in underglaze blue with a six-character mark unusually written in a circle

香港蘇富比1997年4月29日，編號551

Apart from light scratches to the surface glaze, the jar is in overall good condition. There are some original gaps in the underglaze blue line borders encircling the rim and foot.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

A Jiajing jar of this pattern was sold in these rooms, 24th November 1987, lot 23. Compare two other jars sold in these rooms, of the same form but with different decoration, one from the Edward T. Chow collection, sold 19th May 1981, lot 420, the other sold 29th April 1997, lot 550.