Holding
the fruit of the P‘an T’ao which blossoms every three thousand years, ripening
its peaches for another three thousand years, is Shao Lao, the star god of Longevity.
His head is elongated with protruding forehead, his beard falls to his waist,
his face is lined with age; he holds a dragon headed staff and smiles with kindliness
upon the world, Shao Lao
This
classic depiction of Shao Lao in ivory has aged beautifully, showing a cream white
patina that flashes with tint of gold. Though
that the base has an inscription which dated "Great Ming Dynasty". Nevertheless,
its mint condition attributed the carving to the early 20th century.