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

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

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