Tripod incense burner with the Eight Immortals

One hundred years after the Eight Immortals first emerged on Yuan longquan ware, the motif regained its popularity during the Ming. Most of these figures were placed in a landscape or beside mythological elements. In this case they are simplified to just individuals, a striking contrast to the usual fussy decorative schemes. The complex brushwork, with varied lines and washes, created a three-dimensional effect on figures. The creamy, dull glaze indicates that this work was not made at an imperial workshop. The simpler design on a plain white ground was typical of the late Ming style.