Lovely and rare chinese porcelain plate from the early 17th century. Central scene of the well known Shou Lao, God of Longevity, flying on a crane among the clouds. In the front of him are the 8 immortals with attributes in a garden/landscape scene. The Eight Immortals is a group of legendary, semi-historical beings in both religious Daoism and popular religion, said to have obtained immortality through the elixir of life produced by alchemy or by the eating of magic fruits and according to other sources; through studying the secrets of nature which to some extent could be the same thing. He Xiangu. Lan Caihe. Lu Dongbin. Li Tieguai. Zhongli Quan. Han Xiang. Zhang Guo or Zhang Guolao. Cao Guojiu. Marked at base. Condition rimfritting/mushikui, some spots filled. 1 firing flaw in base and very small star hairline in base. Size 163x37mm DXH Period 17th century Ming (1368 - 1620) Transitional (1620 - 1661)