Accession Number
2015/2.167

Title
Fu Lu Shou, Trio of Daoist Stellar Gods of Good Fortune, Wealth, and Longevity

Artist(s)
Chinese

Artist Nationality
Chinese (culture or style)

Object Creation Date
19th-20th century

Medium & Support
woodblock print on paper and cardboard

Dimensions
22 5/8 in x 13 1/2 in (57.47 cm x 34.29 cm)

Credit Line
Gift of Sharlynn and Andrew Circo, in memory of Sotokichi Katsuizumi

Subject matter
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 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." 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
Image depicts six figures, three men and possibly three children. The largest figure is a man in the center of the panel with decorative headwear. All figures are dressed in bright and elborate robes that emphasize colors of red and blue. The background is painted in a 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)
gods (deities)
good fortune
prosperity
stars (extraterrestrial bodies)