Jar with a scene celebrating longevity

Maintaining much of the Ming style, both in its motif and artistic brushwork, this piece is easily confused with late Ming ware. Three features, however, are typical of the Kangxi period: the band on the shoulder painted with irregular "cracked ice" pattern, the method of thickly outlining the edge of the rock in parallel strokes, and the double-edged footring. The eight immortals, all playing their instruments or conjuring, are celebrating the birthday of the longevity god. Six harmoniously toned colors are applied in lines and washes, and in various techniques, to the clothes of the figures, to the pine tree, and to the rocks.