Antique
Chinese Carving Shao
Lao
Star God
of Longevity
Chinese, circa: late 19th -- early 20th C. H 14.25 in.(36cm.), W 3.5 in.(9cm.),
D 3 in.(7.5cm.) Weight: 3 lbs 1 oz.
Condition: cracklines near base, o.a. good An
ebullient god of longevity, with the high forehead and whiskers of great age and
wisdom stands holding a scroll which reads “Luck, Prosperity, Longevity.” His
sympathetic appearance insures these boons for the possessor of his statue. Carved
from a substantial tusk, the stained ivory bears a sumptuous patina of dark gold,
with deep umbers in the crevices. It is dense and heavy. The figure is carved
summarily without unnecessary detail, but the face is intricately rendered, with
warmly smiling eyes, open mouth and soft flowing beard. He leans on a rustic staff
to which is attached a gourd containing the elixir of immortality. The unsubstantiated
date incised on the bottom, “Great Ming Dynasty.” |
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