This magical ivory depicts the star-god of longevity, Canopus, in the constellation Argo, mounted upon a stag, holding in his hand the fruit of the fabulous tree called P’an-t’ao, which blossoms every three thousand years and only yields its peaches a thousand years after blossoming. Gentle and smiling, holding up a gnarled staff from which hangs a gourd of magical elixir, the venerable head is high, with white hair and eyebrows. He is the supreme disposer of earthly things and the eternal ruler of the seasons.

Carved from a fine, close grained tusk section, the ivory is creamy white to gold in color. The deer is fancifully carved munching on a leaf, with symbols of the fungus of immortality scattered across its body. It stands on an outcrop, one hoof poised on a ling chi plant. With its mythical theme and starry forms strewn over the piece, a celestial lightness pervades.