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BLUE AND WHITE PORCELAIN
BOWL WITH A METAL RIM
CHINA, FOUR CHARACTER YONGLE MARK,
20
TH
CENTURY
10.5 in (27 cm) diameter
$ 235 – 395
Rs 15,000 – 25,000
PROVENANCE
Property fromThe Harish Dhillon Collection
Eight figures representing the eight Chinese
“Daotists” are depicted on the bowl. Daotists
are beings who have attained immortality.
The auspicious objects that these figures are
holding are illustrated inside the bowl
(Clockwise) Han Zhongli or Zhongli
Quan was a Han Dynasty general.
He is shown carrying a feather fan
which he uses to revive the dead.
The fan is also illustrated at the
centre of the bowl. To his right, Han
Xiangzi is carrying a flute, and can
predict the future and make fruits
and flowers grow out of season.
He represents youth and is seen
as the patron of fortune– tellers.
Lan Caihe is a hermaphrodite, and
is carrying a basket that maybe
filled with fruits or flowers. To the
right is Li Tieguai known as “Li with
the iron crutch”, who is a crippled
beggar, carrying a gourd filled with
a magic elixir. Next to him is Zhang
Guolao, carrying a tubular musical
instrument called a yugu. Cao
Guojiu is shown carrying castanets
or “clappers.” Next to Guojiu is He
Xiangu, who is the only female in
the group. She is typically shown
carrying a fly whisk. She is revered
for her loyalty and management
of domestic affairs. The last of the
figures, Lu Dongbin, is recognised
for his drinking and fighting abilities.
He carries a demon–slaying sword
and a fly whisk which he uses to
tread on clouds, fly to heaven, and
sweep away ignorance.
The bowl is decorated with Lingzhi
mushrooms, a motif in Chinese art
which is believed to resurrect the
dead and grant immortality. The
clouds painted on the bowl also
resemble the auspicious shape of the
Lingzhi mushroom, and represent
good luck and good fortune. The
recurring pattern of the clouds
signifies never ending fortune.