Carved as 'God of Longevity' holding a peach, a twig and two gourds, the coral of pinkish red suffused with minor white patches. Accompanied with a wooden stand. Coral measuring approximately 110.00 x 67.43 x 35.24mm.
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Deity of The South Pole
Deity of the South Pole is also known as God of Longevity and Longevity Star. Personifying the quest for eternal life popularised by Taoism, the deity evolved from popular reverence for the Deity of the South Pole and Longevity Star in folk worship of stellar constellation. In ancient times, both these stars represented different things. Longevity Star referred to ‘jiao’ and ‘kang’, the two foremost stars of the Seven Stars Constellation in the East. In contrast, Deity of the South Pole referred to the Star of the South Pole, which symbolised the rise and ebb of dynasties and destinies. However, by the Sung dynasty, both these stars were seen as one.
Long before the Ming dynasty ended, God of Longevity was depicted as a silver-haired elderly man, donning a lotus crown, a crane-motif cloak, jade pendants, tinkling ornaments and a hand-held jade sceptre. But in the empire’s waning years, the deity became recognised by his bald pate; prominent forehead and ruddy face. Besides riding a white deer or crane, he also held a walking stick, carried a peach and loved playing with children. This image of him still endures today.
Folk worship of God of Longevity has had a long history. It is believed the deity could bring good health and longevity to his devotees. For this reason, he is regarded as an auspicious star of longevity (shou) who, together with the stars of prosperity (fu) and status (lu), are collectively called the ‘Three Stars of Fu Lu Shou’ or literally the Deities of Wealth, Happiness and Longevity.