Page 572 - The art of the Chinese potter By Hobson

PLATE CXXX

Wine-jar of potiche form with short neck and wide mouth.
Porcelain decorated in underglaze blue, the background of
the design washed over with a beautiful tomato-red enamel.

The main subject represents the Eight Immortals paying court
to Shou Lao, God of Longevity, who is seated on a rock
throne with an incense burner before him and his familiar,
the crane. The scene is set in a rocky landscape with pine

tree and mists. On the shoulder are ju-i shaped lappets

enclosing lotus scrolls, and a narrow band of plain ju-i pattern ;
on the neck is a band of key-fret (cloud and thunder pattern)

and above the base a border of stiff leaves. The base is

unglazed and shows the massive construction of the vessel.

The glaze inside is thick, but uneven, and the paste seen at

the parting of the glaze has burnt a reddish colour.

Early 16th century. H. 13".
In the Victoria and Albert Museum.