清 竹雕童子壽老|God of Longevity (Shoulao) with children
Unknown Artist
18th century
Medium
Bamboo
Dimensions
H. 6 1/4 in. (15.9 cm); W. 5 3/4 in. (14.6 cm); D. 5 in. (12.7 cm)
Classification
Sculpture
Culture & Period
China · Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Ellen Barker, 1942
Accession Number
42.90.71
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite bamboo carving from 18th-century Qing dynasty (1644–1911) depicts Shoulao, the beloved God of Longevity, joyfully surrounded by children. Standing just over 6 inches tall (H. 6 1/4 in.), the sculpture captures the deity—an elderly figure symbolizing eternal life and prosperity—in a tender, playful moment with infants, evoking wishes for health and family blessings. Bamboo carving flourished during the Qing period as an accessible yet sophisticated art form, prized for eco-friendly medium and potential for intricate detail. Artisans skillfully exploited the bamboo's natural grai...