DING Chuanguo ^{1, 2}
( 1. Nanjing University of the Arts, Nanjing 210013, Jiangsu, China; 2. Jingdezhen Ceramic Institute, Jingdezhen 333403, Jiangxi, China)

Abstract: Artworks by “The Eight Friends of Mount Pearl” were intended for the market, and their commercial characteristics reflected in the close relationship between their choice of motifs and the similarity of their compositions are worth investigating. The “Eight Friends of Mount Pearl” must have been obliged to choose the right motifs to meet the needs of the market. Therefore, the repetition of their motifs was unavoidable, which led to similar compositions under some circumstances. Actually the similarity of their compositions is a result of work division based on modules. It reflects the maturity of the technical system behind the production of an artwork and finally contributes to the formation of a “trademark” on their artworks.

Key words: Eight Friends of Mount Pearl; artwork; commercial characteristics