A soapstone figure of Shoulao


17th/18th centuryThe Star God of Longevity modelled standing, finely carved wearing long robes with incised clouds, peaches and shou characters, the right arm cradling a ruyi sceptre, the smiling face with downcast eyes and long beard below a tall forehead, all raised on a naturalistically carved rockwork plinth.29cm (11 3/8in) high
|Shoulao, also known as Shouxing, is one of three stellar gods in Chinese mythology known collectively as Fulushou. He was also called Nanji Laoren ("Old Man of the South Pole"). Though greatly revered as the god of longevity, Shoulao has no temples. Instead, birthday parties for elders provide a fitting time for visitors to bow before his statue, which is draped in embroidered silk robes.For a very similar but smaller soapstone figure of Shoulao, dated 18th century, see Christie's 15 June 1999.