Page 272 - Bonhams London May 13th aqnd 14th 2019 Chinese Art

791
A SOAPSTONE FIGURE OF SHOULAO
17th/18th century
The Star God of Longevity modelled standing, finely carved wearing
long robes with incised clouds, peaches and shou characters, the
right arm cradling a ruyi sceptre, the smiling face with downcast eyes
and long beard below a tall forehead, all raised on a naturalistically
carved rockwork plinth.
29cm (11 3/8in) high

£5,000 - 8,000
HK$52,000 - 83,000
CNY44,000 - 71,000
Shoulao, also known as Shouxing, is one of three stellar gods in
Chinese mythology known collectively as Fulushou. He was also
called Nanji Laoren (“Old Man of the South Pole”). Though greatly
revered as the god of longevity, Shoulao has no temples. Instead,
birthday parties for elders provide a fitting time for visitors to bow
before his statue, which is draped in embroidered silk robes.

For a very similar but smaller soapstone figure of Shoulao, dated 18th
791 century, see Christie’s 15 June 1999.

792
A SOAPSTONE FIGURE OF THE ‘LONG EYEBROW’ LUOHAN
19th century
The bald, bearded carving of Asita Arhat, or Changmei Luohan,
modelled seated at ease, wearing long incised robes open at the
chest to reveal the emaciated body, the right hand cradling an alms
bowl, the serene face with downcast eyes and long eyebrows. 9.5cm
(3 3/4in) high

£2,000 - 3,000
HK$21,000 - 31,000
CNY18,000 - 26,000
The Property of a Gentleman

Provenance: The Lowenthal Collection no. HJ 74 (label)

792

For details of the charges payable in addition to the final Hammer Price of each Lot
270 | BONHAMS please refer to paragraphs 7 & 8 of the Notice to Bidders at the back of the catalogue.