✅ SOLVED Found this in an old steamer trunk

[nomad1]

I found this figure in an old steamer trunk in a vacant lot when I was about 11 or 12 years old and I am 72 now. Over the years I have asked people about it but no one seems to know what it represents. it is made of soap stone and is 5 inches tall.

 

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[capt-zero]

I am by no means certain of my identification, but the figure looks to me to be a Japanese okimono. these are stylistic carvings, larger than netsuke, used for home adornment. Once again, I'm not certain, but the cloth sack he's carrying makes me think of the god Hotel, known as Budal in Chinese and Bo Dal in Vietnam. This god is more commonly known in the western world as "the laughing or happy Budda". He is the god of good fortune and wealth. He takes many shapes and poses, but always includes a cloth sack and a coy look. Most often we see him in a sitting lotus with bulloin in his hands, but as I said, he is often pictured in many shapes. In addition, are you sure of the soapstone identification? It looks in the picture like ivory, perhaps walrus. The top of the head in the second picture, makes me think that. Can you include a close up of the bottom?

 

[DCMatt]

I agree with the Capt that it is asian. I'm thinking Shoulao - Taoist God of luck and long life.

I would also like to see pics of the bottom.

DCMatt

 

[DCMatt]

Hmmm.... No beard... Not Shoulao.

DCMatt

 

[wvwildman]

nice find

 

[nhbenz]

I agree with Matt, Shou Lao (or Shou Xing, or Shouxing Lao), even though he backed off on the idea. Originally he would have had a staff and carrying a peach (in a container), as shown here (lot 800a); Fine Chinese Carvings & Works of Art (Day 2)- March 18, 2012

Lot 108 here, with less beard. (this one seems to be wearing a mask?) http://www.lyonandturnbull.com/asp/...25&st=D&sale_no=355&subs_value=128&index=view

 

[nhbenz]

Oh wait, the peach may not be in a container, they were big old things that ripened every 3000 years or some such thing, anyway they don't look like a normal peach, as seen in this search; http://www.google.com/search?q=shou...bx0wGXx4CgAg&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAQ&biw=1024&bih=672

 

[Delpirt]

This is Kui Xing – the Chinese God of Examinations. Here is another photo of one...



And a link to more info...

Kui Xing - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Cool find! Mark this one as solved. I'm 100% on it.

 

[nomad1]

Thanks Delpirt I believe you have hit the nail on the head. Matching features in your photo with those in mine I can see they are one in the same the only difference being how the two craftsmen made them. I have been lugging this thing around with me for 60 years.

 

[Delpirt]

Glad I could help end a mystery for you!