Impressive and Substantial 23-Inch Carved Wood Statue of Shou Lao, Chinese God of Longevity – Mid-20th Century

Details

Description

A remarkably substantial and intricately carved wooden statue depicting the Chinese deity Shou Lao, the revered God of Longevity. This … Read more A remarkably substantial and intricately carved wooden statue depicting the Chinese deity Shou Lao, the revered God of Longevity. This magnificent piece is an exceptional example of traditional Chinese artistry, likely handcrafted in China during the mid-20th century.

Carved from a single, massive piece of rich, deep-toned wood, the figure stands 23 inches tall and is incredibly heavy, immediately conveying its age and quality. The level of detail is astounding, showcasing the skill of a master artisan.

The statue depicts Shou Lao with his characteristic high, elongated forehead and flowing beard, radiating wisdom and joy. He is adorned in elaborate robes, each fold and drapery expertly rendered. In one hand, he holds his gnarled staff, and in the other, a large, deeply carved gourd, symbolizing blessing and immortality.

Exceptional Detail and Craftsmanship:
The most striking feature of this statue is the deep, dramatic undercutting and piercing. Meticulously sculpted from a substantial block of solid exotic hardwood—closely resembling and quite possibly being Camphor or Rosewood given its remarkable density and weight—the carving is executed all the way through the wood in multiple areas. This is particularly evident around the staff, the gourd, and the base, creating an incredible sense of depth and negative space. These openwork sections are intricate and fragile, demonstrating a high level of master craftsmanship that has survived remarkably well. The surface of the wood boasts a beautiful, rich patina developed over time.

This piece was carefully hand-carved, a fact evident in the deliberate tool marks and the organic, flowing lines of the design. While the front features incredibly complex three-dimensional scenes, the back of the statue is left intentionally simpler to follow the natural contour of the wood, further highlighting its handcrafted nature. The flat top of the staff features a central core hole from the original carving or mounting process, which is typical for a piece of this scale. See less