Shouxing "Star of Longevity" or Shoulao "Old Man of Longevity" is a Taoist deity believed to be the giver of long life. This rubbing is from a 17th century stele from Longmen, Qian Qi Temple.
He is represented by an old man with an elongated skull and a white beard and mustache who supports himself on a gnarled staff.
The knots of the body, like those of the plants, far from being considered unsightly deformations, are the expression of the slowing down of the flow of the lifeblood which guarantees the continuation of life.
Often alongside him appear a deer, another symbol of longevity, and a young man holding the peach of immortality in his hand.
Technique: black ink on paper.
'Karibari' paper restoration laboratory, Venice
In the Museum since 1925. From Henan.
