1-234-544 - The Museum of East Asian Art/Heritage Images

Bronze pouring vessel, Late Ming dynasty, China, 1600-1644. A hexagonal bronze pouring vessel with dragon's head spout and serpent tail handle. The piece is decorated on the exterior with high relief figures of the Eight Immortals on a lacquer-type diaper pattern background. The Eight Immortals were historical figures who achieved immortality - each represents a different aspect of Daoist perfection. Legends tell of their adventures and quests such as fighting demons, flying through the air and putting things to rights.