Bottle Vase with Eight Daoist Immortals

Artist

Chinese (Chinese)

Date

circa 1820-1850

Medium

Glazed porcelain, enamels

Dimensions

: 16 3/4 x 8 x 8 in. (42.55 x 20.32 x 20.32 cm)

Credit Line

Gift of David Kamansky and Gerald Wheaton

Object Number

2014.23.101

Label

Daoism is a native Chinese philosophy and religion that emphasizes harmonious acceptance of an ever-changing world. In Chinese popular culture, Daoists were often thought to possess magical powers that enabled them to achieve extremely long life spans. Over time, eight legendary Daoist figures coalesced into a group known as the Eight Immortals that was depicted frequently in the visual and decorative arts. The decoration on this vase is a typical example of an Eight Immortals design from the Qing dynasty (1644-1911). The decoration is painted on the white porcelain surface of the vase using a palette of colored enamels that was first developed in the 18th century.