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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.

Shouxing, Stellar God of Immortality, Ivory, China — Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

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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

Accession Number: 65.86.135a, b

Chronology

Central and North Asia, 1400-1600 A.D.

Chronology

China, 1400-1600 A.D.

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Asian Art at The Met

The Met's collection of Asian art—more than 35,000 objects, ranging in date from the third millennium B.C. to the twenty-first century—is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world.

Shouxing, Stellar God of Immortality

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Central and North Asia, 1400-1600 A.D.

China, 1400-1600 A.D.

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Shouxing, Stellar God of Immortality

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