Qing Dynasty Soapstone Statue Immortal Shou (Longevity)

Qing Dynasty Soapstone Statue Immortal Shou (Longevity)

This is a beautiful, brown, soapstone statue of one of the Three Gods of Prosperity or Three Lucky Gods, Shou, God of Longevity. Needless to say he is a very auspicious statue to own. He is depicted sitting and is recognizable by his high, domed forehead (a sign of enlightenment) and the peach which he is carrying in his one hand as a symbol of immortality. He is depicted with his typical warm smile and friendly bearing. In his other hand he is holding a staff.

The Shou star (壽) is α Carinae (Canopus), the star of the South Pole in Chinese astronomy, and is believed to control the life spans of mortals. According to legend, he was carried in his mother's womb for ten years before being born, and was already an old man when delivered.

This carving dates to the middle of The Qing Dynasty (18th - 19th Century) Shou measures approximately 7.5 inches in height, 5 inches in width and 3 inches in depth.

Shou is in very good condition with only minor signs of wear around the base and the mouth. He has a lovely antique patina and is smooth to the touch. It is clear from the small holes (that still have the antique wooden peg pieces in) on the base that the statue would have had a base (likely made of soapstone as well). Please see the pictures.

Item ID: GN107

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$350 USD

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