Shòu Xing - China 17th century

This small bronze with a trace of gilding, made in China during the Ming dynasty (16th/ 17th century) represents a Chinese god. A member of the triad of the "three stars", or gods of happiness, our character is Shòu Xing. He is the star of Longevity, certainly the most popular and celebrated of the three, his presence presaging a period of peace, calm or prosperity. The wisdom of this spirit is reflected in the iconography attributed to it. He is depicted as an old man, wearing a large coat with wide sleeves, a bald, bulging head and a long moustache.