Art Institute of Chicago

Bowl with God of Longevity (Shoulao) and Eight Daoist Immortals

China

Date: Ming dynasty (1368–1644), Wanli reign mark and period (1572–1620)
Medium: Porcelain painted in underglaze blue and overglaze polychrome enamels
Culture: China
Department: Arts of Asia
Institution: Art Institute of Chicago

The lively figures encircling the exterior of the bowl represent the Eight Daoist Immortals, a group of legendary and semi-historical characters, gathered in attendance around the God of Longevity. Elevated upon a floating seat, the God of Longevity is distinguished by his domed cranium and the “ruyi” scepter in his hand. The eight immortals, each identifiable by their unique physical features, companions, or attributes, symbolize immortality, longevity and happiness across various conditions of life. The figures and the landscape background are rendered in underglaze cobalt blue and overglaze color enamels. The relatively thick and coarse body of the bowl is characteristic of late Ming porcelains.

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Object type: AAT300193015

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Art Institute of Chicago