Monumental Zitan 'Immortals' Scroll Pot

Of cylindrical form and of tremendous weight, height and thickness, the exterior magnificently and abundantly carved in high relief with a dozen iconic figures from Chinese lore, viz: The Eight Immortals (八仙 Bāxiān), the Daoist deities known as The Three Stars (Sānxīng 三星) and Guanyin (觀音), Goddess of Mercy. The Baxian are wonderfully rendered in strikingly individualized fashion, some standing, others seated, with each wielding the personal power implement; the octet engaging in a feast, complete with grapes tumbling over the tabletop and a large bronze wine vessel, the picnic being enjoyed while they sail in their boat upon foaming seas, while cranes and other auspicious birds glide, the artist capturing a sense of altitude, depth and distance with birds in the foreground, figures in the middle ground and mountains in the background. Apart from the Eight Immortals, the Three Stars--Prosperity (Fú 福), Blessing (Lù 禄) and Longevity (Shòu 壽)--stand together, while apart from all the others, Guanyin sits serenely in the lotus position upon a lotus plinth, ensconced on a cloud; the base and lip ringed in an uncarved collar, the interior and base smooth.

H. 高 : 38.4 cm 15 ⅛“ , D. 長 : 33.7 cm 13 1/4“ , Thickness 厚度 : 3.5 cm 1 ⅜“

Condition: Some light abrasions and scratches commensurate with age.
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