Common Patterns and Their Symbolic Meanings in Folk Ceramics
The Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea: The pattern depicts eight immortals, each holding a treasure, with turbulent sea waves below. The Eight Immortals from ancient Chinese mythology include Tieguai Li, Han Zhongli, Zhang Guolao, He Xiangu, Lü Dongbin, Lan Caihe, Han Xiangzi, and Cao Guojiu. Stories of the Eight Immortals are frequently found in records from the Tang, Song, Yuan, and Ming dynasties. Among these, “The Eight Immortals Celebrating the Birthday” and “The Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea” are the most widely circulated. According to legend, while returning from celebrating the Queen Mother of the West’s birthday, the Eight Immortals passed by the Eastern Ocean. Each used their magical tool as a boat to cross the sea, competing to showcase their divine abilities.
