Accession Number
1989/2.146

Title
The Star Prince: Source of Granting Long Life

Artist(s)
Chinese

Artist Nationality
Chinese (culture or style)

Object Creation Date
20th century

Medium & Support
woodblock print on paper

Dimensions
19 3/16 in x 16 5/16 in (48.8 cm x 41.4 cm);19 13/16 in x 16 5/8 in (50.4 cm x 42.2 cm);19 3/16 in x 16 5/16 in (48.8 cm x 41.4 cm)

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

Subject matter
The center 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 stick of peach wood, as peaches are also symbols of longevity in Chinese culture. The two figures on each of his side may be the other two star gods, Fu Xing (God of Good Fortune and Happiness) and Lu Xing (God of Prosperity). The remaining eight figures stand facing inwards towards Shou Xing, showing that they respect him. 

Physical Description
A center figure with a large forehead is dressed in a robe covered in the Chinese character "longevity." Two figures accompany him on each side, and eight additional figures are below them, four on each side. 

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 (dieties)
old age
stars (extraterrestrial bodies)