The Eight Immortals balustervase A vase telling a story (Chinese: 八仙) are a group of legendary xian (immortals) in Chinese mythology. Each immortal's power can be transferred to a vessel (法器) that can bestow life or destroy evil. Together, these eight vessels are called the "Covert Eight Immortals" (暗八仙). Most of them are said to have been born in the Tang or Song Dynasty. They are revered by the Taoists and are also a popular element in secular Chinese culture. They are said to live on a group of five islands in the Bohai Sea, which includes Mount Penglai. The Immortals are: He Xiangu (何仙姑), in modern context generally seen as the only female of the group, often depicted holding a lotus flower. Cao Guojiu (曹國舅), related to a Song dynasty emperor before he became an immortal. Li Tieguai (李鐵拐), considered to be mentally disturbed and associated with medicine and easing the suffering of the sick and needy, identified by his iron crutch and calabash bottle. Lan Caihe (藍采和), originally pictured as female later developed an ambiguous or more accurately, a "transformative" gender and is considered the patron of florists and gardeners. Lü Dongbin (呂洞賓), a scholar and poet considered to be the leader of the Eight Immortals. Han Xiangzi (韓湘子), a flute artist. Zhang Guolao (張果老), a fangshi symbol of longevity. Han Zhongli (汉鍾離), associated with death and the power to create silver and gold, often depicted holding a fan. An interesting feature of early Eight Immortal artwork is that they are often accompanied by jade hand maidens, commonly depicted servants of the higher ranked deities, or other images showing great spiritual power. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, the Eight Immortals were frequently associated with other prominent spiritual deities in artwork. There are numerous paintings with them and the Three Stars (the gods of longevity, prosperity, and good fortune) together. Also, other deities such as the Queen Mother of the West are commonly seen in the company of the Eight Immortals and she is also popularly thought to have blessed them with their supernatural abilities. Height 44 cm Width 29cm Condition, Good overall condition, enamels intact, nice clear white porcelain, small hearline on the neck as seen in pictures, Please take a good look at the photos, they are part of the description. We strive to send the products to you as quickly as possible and very well packaged, double boxes, worldwide and with valid track and trace and insurance via Catawiki,