Shouxing, Stellar God of Immortality

16th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 219
As one of the personified stars, Shouxing is associated with the South Pole in Chinese astronomy and is believed to control the human life span. Longevity, good fortune, and prosperity are considered the three attributes of a good life in traditional Chinese culture.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 明中期 象牙雕壽星坐像
  • Title: Shouxing, Stellar God of Immortality
  • Period: Ming dynasty (1368–1644)
  • Date: 16th century
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Ivory
  • Dimensions: H. 8 1/4 in. (21 cm); W. 4 1/16 in. (10.3 cm); H. incl. base 9 7/8 (25.1 cm)
  • Classification: Ivories
  • Credit Line: Alfred W. Hoyt Collection, Bequest of Rosina H. Hoppin, 1965
  • Object Number: 65.86.135a, b
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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