Shouxing; Stellar God of Immortality; Ming dynasty (1368-1644); 16th century; China; Ivory; H. 8 1/4 in. (21 cm); W. 4 1/16 in. (10.3 cm); H. incl. base 9 7/8 (25.1 cm); Ivories; As one of the personified or embodied stars; Shouxing is associated with the South Pole in Chinese astronomy and is believed to control human life span. Longevity; good fortune; and prosperity are considered the three attributes of a good life in traditional Chinese culture