|
10th Century
Antique Chinese Bronze
Shao
Lao
Longevity Star God
Song Dynasty, circa: 960-1279 A.D.
H
16in.(40cm.), W 5.5 in.(14cm.), D 4 in.(10cm.)
Condition: fair w. losses
Holding
the fruit of the P‘an T’ao which blossoms every three thousand years, ripening
its peaches for another three thousand years, is Shao Lao, the star god of Longevity.
His head is elongated with protruding forehead, his beard falls to his waist,
his face is lined with age; he smiles with kindliness upon the world. Shao Lao
holds a staff which may have been topped with carving that has been lost. This
archaic piece has aged beautifully, showing a dark patina that flashes with rich
greens. The base color of the bronze has turned over time to a deep umber; deposits
of oxidation mark the folds and grooves in the metal, and bring out the delicately
chased lines of the beard. The flowing simplicity of the design has a hieratic
dignity and firmness. It has the
sense of benevolence with which it was imbued through a thousand years of worships. Sold To Private Collection | 
