Accession Number
1989/2.133

Title
Hanging Cash: God of Longevity

Artist(s)
Chinese

Artist Nationality
Chinese (culture or style)

Object Creation Date
20th century

Medium & Support
woodblock print on paper

Dimensions
21 1/4 in x 11 5/8 in (54 cm x 29.5 cm);22 3/8 in x 12 13/16 in (56.8 cm x 32.5 cm);21 1/4 in x 11 5/8 in (54 cm x 29.5 cm)

Credit Line
Gift of Willard A. and Marybelle B. Hanna

Subject matter
The figure is Shou Xing, a star god. Shou Xing is the star god of longevity, and also known as "The Old Deity of the South Pole." It is said that his mother saw the star of the South Pole when he was conceived. He is holding a peach in one hand and a stick of peach wood in the other, as peaches are also symbols of longevity in Chinese culture. The clouds symbolize the celestial realm, since they were created between heaven and earth. 

Physical Description
A man with a white beard and a large forehead is dressed in a yellow, red, and green robe, and is holding a peach in one hand and a staff in the other. He appears to be floating in the clouds. This image seems to be on top of a red paper cutout. 

Primary Object Classification
Print

Primary Object Type
color print

Collection Area
Asian

Rights
If you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit http://umma.umich.edu/request-image for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.

Keywords
gods
gods (deities)
old age
peach (fruit)
stars (extraterrestrial bodies)