A SET OF FIVE 'WUCAI' 'IMMORTALS' DISHES MARKS AND PERIOD OF WANLI

each with shallow curved sides rising from a short foot, the interior decorated with a scene depicting Daoist Immortals on waves amongst trees and mountainous landscape, encircled on the cavetto with a border of meandering vines with lingzhi fungus and shou characters, the exterior decorated with individual flower and leaf sprays, the footrim encircled with an abbreviated classic scroll, the base inscribed six-character mark within double-circles in underglaze-blue (5)

The overall condition of the set of dishes is very good with only light enamel wear to the interior and just a few minor condition issues. Clockwise from the top dish based on the catalogue illustration. 1. The dish has light wear to the enamels. 2. There is light wear to the enamels and a 2cm restored shallow rim chip. 3. There is a 2cm body line beneath the glaze, light wear to the enameling, a 5mm patch of kiln grit that was scratched off on the interior and a 5mm enamel flake near the rim. 4. There is light wear to the enamels and very minor fritting on the rim. 5. There is light wear to the enamels on the interior and a few dirty pinholes.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Based on the principles of Daoism, the Chinese developed a cosmological system dividing the universe into five elements (wood, fire, water, metal and earth).  The Japanese later adopted this system and structured the tea ceremony according to the five elements.  The number five became the essence in the tea ritual. This set of five dishes was probably assembled to serve sweets at the beginning of the tea ceremony, each representing an element. The central figure on the present lot, possibly could be one of the 'Eight Immortals' Lan Caihe, the eccentric patron deity of the impoverished. 

A single wucai dish of similar design was sold in these rooms, 23^rd October 2005, lot 454 and another is illustrated in The Museum of East Asian Art, Bath, Inaugural Exhibition, Vol. I, Bath, 1993, cat. no. 155.