Page 210 - Decorative Arts, Part II: Far Eastern Ceramics and Paintings, Persian and Indian Rugs and Carpets

1942.9-592 (C-443)
Shou Lao, the God of Longevity

Qing dynasty, Kangxi period (1662-1722)
Porcelain with famille verte enamels on the biscuit,
5
figure: 27.5 x 14.0 x 9.2 (n /s x 5 x 3 %),
l
throne: 12.1 x 16.5 x 10.5 (4% x 6 x 4 /s)
Widener Collection
TECHNICAL NOTES
With the exception of the top of the throne, which has a
colorless enamel glaze, the bases of both the figure and the
throne are unglazed. One finger of the figure's right hand is
missing. The back and left sides of the throne have been
repaired and repainted.

PROVENANCE
(Gorer, London); sold 1910 to Peter A. B. Widener, Lynnewood
Hall, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania; inheritance from Estate of
Peter A. B. Widener by gift through power of appointment of
Joseph E. Widener, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania.

HE FIGURE OF SHOU LAO may originally have been
Tdesigned for use on a temple or family altar. The
seated deity is shown in formal court robes and is recog-
1
nizable by his tall, domed head and long beard. He holds
a scroll in his right hand. The figure is decorated in the
famille verte palette in yellow, red, aubergine, gold, and
two shades of green. The light green robe is decorated
with red and gold medallions containing a stylized form
of the character shou (longevity). Large cranes (symbols
of longevity) are visible in the robe and on the front of
the throne. The throne back is decorated with flowers on
a light green ground and cranes. A yellow and green dia-
per ground encloses the ogival medallion with flying
crane on the front panel of the throne. The corresponding
panel on the back depicts two aubergine peaches (symbols
of longevity) with green leaves on a yellow ground.
A standing figurine of Shou Lao decorated in a similar
manner is in the Altman collection, Metropolitan
Museum of Art, New York. 2
SL

NOTES
1. For a discussion of Shou Lao in Chinese literature and
painting, see Fong 1983,159-199.
2. Gorer and Blacker 1911, i: 69.

REFERENCES
1947 Christensen: 20.

194 D E C O R A T I V E A R T S