Bowls

Datelate 19th-early 20th century

MediumDrape-molded hard paste porcelain with underglaze brown and cobalt blue decoration

DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width x depth): 2 1/8 x 4 1/4 x 4 1/8in. (5.4 x 10.8 x 10.5cm)

ClassificationsCeramics

Credit LineBequest of George Dudley Seymour

DescriptionPair of octagonal, hard paste porcelain bowls with hand-painted underglaze cobalt blue decoration and a brown border at the rim. The primary decoration on each bowl consists of eight figures, one painted on each side of the bowl. The figures are older men and women, wearing long robes and holding various implements or musical instruments. They are standing on a light blue field, representing the ground, at the foot of each bowl. Above the figures, at a slightly flaring rim, is a border of three parallel lines. An abstract scroll motif is painted on each side of each bowl between the top two lines. The rim is painted brown, and there are two additional lines of blue just inside the rim of each bowl. Imperfections in the porcelain appear as black dots or lines on the surface of the bowls. One bowl, .2, has a crack in the rim that runs down the side of the bowl.

Object number1945.1.1405.1-.2

NotesSubject Note: The figures depicted on the outside of the bowls are the Eight Taoist Immortals. These were persons who, for various reasons, achieved immortality. Each immortal carries a device or is known by a symbol that relates to their particular skill or the assistance they provide to mortals. (Hunt 11/3/2004)

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