This
magical ivory depicts the star-god of longevity, Canopus, in the constellation
Argo, mounted upon a stag, holding in his hand the fruit of the fabulous tree
called P’an-t’ao, which blossoms every three thousand years and only yields its
peaches a thousand years after blossoming. Gentle and smiling, holding up a gnarled
staff from which hangs a gourd of magical elixir, the venerable head is high,
with white hair and eyebrows. He is the supreme disposer of earthly things and
the eternal ruler of the seasons.
Carved from a fine, close grained tusk section, the ivory is creamy white
to gold in color. The deer is fancifully carved munching on a leaf, with symbols
of the fungus of immortality scattered across its body. It stands on an outcrop,
one hoof poised on a ling chi plant. With its mythical theme and starry forms
strewn over the piece, a celestial lightness pervades.