Pair of Famille Rose Vases with Eight Immortals

During the 18th century, Europeans provided an eager market for Chinese export porcelain, especially the colorful and fanciful ware known as “famille rose.” Named for a palette of opaque overglaze enamels that favored roses and pinks, famille rose porcelain ware was crafted with the same technical virtuosity as imperial porcelain but designed for Western tastes. This pair of fine porcelain vases is exquisitely decorated with a scene of the Eight Immortals of Taoism crossing the open sea. Said to have attained immortality through their studies of the natural world, each of the Eight Immortals represents a different condition in life and together they impart a blessing of prosperity and longevity. Depicted here with their characteristic attire and accessories, the immortals are gathered in a boat carved of willow amid intricate, crashing waves. The white underglaze field surrounding this enameled decoration is notably left undecorated, save for a basket of lotus blossoms overhead and a heavenly abode in the distance.

Each vase is paired with a carved wooden base. One base has losses to carved edge as pictured.

Additional Dimensions:
Diameter of Opening; 4"
With Base: 15.75"H