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

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

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

More Artwork

In the same gallery

In the same medium

From the same time and place

A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.

Bodhisattva Manjushri, Gilt copper alloy, China — Bodhisattva Manjushri
China

Wenchang, Stellar God of Literature, Ivory, China — Wenchang, Stellar God of Literature
China
16th century

Finial for a Buddhist staff (khatvanga), Ivory, China — Finial for a Buddhist staff (khatvanga)
China
early 15th century

Seal with knob in the shape of a wheel, Ivory, China — Seal with knob in the shape of a wheel
China
dated 1424

Seal with mantra in Vartu script, Ivory, turquoise, and iron damascened with gold, China — Seal with mantra in Vartu script
China
early 15th century

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.