Though this wucai decoration dates back to the earlier 15th century, and pieces of this type used to be given an earlier date, this should be dated shortly after 1550. While wucai went on being used in the 18th and 19th centuries, it reached its height during the mid 17th century and was mainly superseded by famille verte after 1680. This vase was sold as being Zhengde (1506-1521), which was the general opinion in the early 1950s. Major Duberly lists all the Immortals on this jar as well as their attributes.
Literature: Anthony du Boulay, The Duberly Collection of Chinese Art at Winchester College (Winchester, 2019), pp. 48-49; Anthony du Boulay, Chinese Porcelain (London, 1963), fig. 61
Provenance: Bequeathed as part of the Duberly Collection, 1978; purchased by Major Montagu and Lady Eileen Duberly from John Sparks, 3 February 1951 (£175)
Location: Treasury, Gallery 2