Accession Number
1989/2.161

Title
The Three Stars: Gods of Happiness, Prosperity and Longevity.

Artist(s)
Chinese

Artist Nationality
Chinese (culture or style)

Object Creation Date
20th century

Medium & Support
woodblock print on paper

Dimensions
22 3/8 in x 13 7/16 in (56.8 cm x 34.2 cm);23 5/16 in x 14 1/2 in (59.2 cm x 36.9 cm);22 3/8 in x 13 7/16 in (56.8 cm x 34.2 cm)

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

Subject matter
<!--td {border: 1px solid #ccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;}--> Fu Lu Shou (the larger figures) are known as the Three Star Gods, or San (three) Xing (star) in Chinese. They represent fortune, prosperity, and longevity. Fu Xing is the star god symbolizing good fortune and happiness. Lu Xing, on the left, is the god of prosperity, and symbolizes career success. He is seen holding a baby which can be attributed to the idea that male children leads to a path of success, or with bestowing children upon fertility challenged couples. Shou Xing is the star god of longevity, and also known as "The Old Deity of the South Pole." He is often depicted with a large forehead and it is said that his mother saw the star of the South Pole when he was conceived. The clouds in the background symbolize heaven, showing that the main figures are all gods.

Physical Description
<!--td {border: 1px solid #ccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;}--> Image depicts six figures, three men and three children. The largest figure is a man in the center of the panel with decorative headwear. All figures are dressed in bright colors and elborate robes. The background is painted in a green and white cloud pattern.

Primary Object Classification
Print

Primary Object Type
color print

Collection Area
Asian

Rights
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Keywords
children (people by age group)
deities
gods (dieties)
good fortune
prosperity
stars (extraterrestrial bodies)
woodcuts (prints)