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Antique
Elephant Ivory Carving
Shao
Lao
Star God
of Longevity
Chinese, circa: late 19th -- early 20th C.
H 14.25 in.(36cm.), W 3.5 in.(9cm.), D 3 in.(7.5cm.)
Weight: 3 lbs 1 oz.
Condition: cracklines near base, o.a. good
An
ebullient god of longevity, with the high forehead and
whiskers of great age and wisdom stands holding a scroll
which reads “Luck, Prosperity, Longevity.” His sympathetic
appearance insures these boons for the possessor of
his statue. Carved from a substantial tusk, the stained
ivory bears a sumptuous patina of dark gold, with deep
umbers in the crevices. It is dense and heavy. The figure
is carved summarily without unnecessary detail, but
the face is intricately rendered, with warmly smiling
eyes, open mouth and soft flowing beard. He leans on
a rustic staff to which is attached a gourd containing
the elixir of immortality. The unsubstantiated date
incised on the bottom, “Great Ming Dynasty.”
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