Underglazed Blue and Copper Red Designs

[richy88]

Hi John

Here is the legend of Lu Dong Bin and the fairy White Peony (Bai Mu Dan).

One day, Lu Dong Bin was asked by some villagers to fight a demon nearby their hometown. The demon has been creating havoc in the area.

Lu then discovered that the most effective way to destroy it was to use the magical hairpin from the Western Heavenly Queen (Xi Wang Mu). As it was not respectful for him to approach the Queen directly, Lu decided to seek the help of one of her fairy maids, White Peony (Bai Mu Dan).

During a feast hosted by the Queen, Lu teased Bai on several occasions to get her attention. When he finally did, he asked her for her assistance, which she compiled. Bai then managed to borrow the hairpin from the Queen and with that, Lu successfully defeated the demon.

For your reference.

Regards.


Richard

[bambooforrest]

Richard, in your first response you used the word "versus" between the Immortals. She did end up helping him?

[richy88]

Hi John

Yes, she did. She borrowed the hairpin from the Queen and assisted Lu to defeat the demon.

Regards.


Richard

[bambooforrest]

Richard, thanks for the background on the bottle. This next example is small [48mm] and is nicely painted with a fisherman in his boat. From an internet auction in 2015.

[Joey]

And yet another beauty, John.
Thank you for posting it.
Best,
Joey

[joearp]

I like this small bottle very much.  The painting is lovely.

[bambooforrest]

Thanks Jo and Joey. This next bottle [76mm] the red is very well fired. From an early Butterfield's auction in 2007.

[bambooforrest]

This next example [85mm] features precious objects. From an auction in 2010.

[Joey]

Thanks Jo and Joey. This next bottle [76mm] the red is very well fired. From an early Butterfield's auction in 2007.

John,

    I just can't figure out how to date these last two bottles [in #226 and #227].
Both seem to have 'age', but...
Best,
Joey

[bambooforrest]

Joey, I think both of these bottles would be dated late 19th/20th. This next bottle I would say is earlier. Some misfiring to the red. Unusual depiction of the Four Nobel Professions. From a collection I bought at the outdoor flea market back in 1998.

[Joey]

John,

   I could see your dating for the 2 previous bottles.
I think I see the fisherman [first], farmer [second], woodcutter [third],
but can't see the scholar in the fourth.
Best,
joey

[bambooforrest]

Joey, not a very good painting of a man's torso in the window of the hut. The next small example [42mm] shows a fisherman holding his catch, some misfiring to the red. From my local auction in 2008.

[Joey]

John,

   Once you pointed it out, I could see the scholar in his studio.
Thanks,
Joey

[bambooforrest]

This next bottle [80mm] has a lot going on. The translation I got was "Zhao family building"? They look like acrobats to me. From an auction in 2003.

[Joey]

Interesting, John.
But not one of my favourite types.
Best,
Joey

[bambooforrest]

Joey, I understand the bottle might be a little to "busy" for you. The next bottle [80mm] features 5 horses instead of the usual 8. Possibly another bottle in the set? From an auction in 2008.

[Joey]

John,

    I love the horses and what looks like a weeping willow.
Best,
Joey

[richy88]

Hi John

I refer to the previous bottle with the sign Zhao Jia Lou (the mansion of the Zhao family).

This is a story from the Chinese opera in the Henan province.

Jigong, a monk during the Southern Song dynasty was well-known for being able to perform miracles and uphold justice for the commoners.

In this episode, it shows how he tricked the villain Hua Yun Long, a notorious thief, and captured him with the help of his disciples when he sneaked into the Zhao family.

For your reference.

Regards,


Richard

[bambooforrest]

Richard, again your knowledge impresses me! I thought there had to be something behind the story....John

[bambooforrest]

Another bottle [79mm] that makes a powerful statement. Richard, would this still be considered an 8 Sea Monsters bottle? From an auction in 2008.