I saw this piece online but there is no detailed information about it. I thought it was an export bowl but it bears Qianlong mark. Who are those characters?
They are group of legendary immortals (xian). Revered by the Taoists and are also a popular element in the secular Chinese culture. Zhang Guo Lao, Zhongli Quan, Tieguai Li, Cao Guojiu, L? Dongbin, He Xiangu, Lan Caihe, Han Xiang Zi.
It is a 20th century reproduction.