The Image of the Character Shou (Longevity) |
Printmaking
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Inside the character for “longevity,” there appear famous figures and lucky beasts, including the ba xian (the eight immortals) as well as the three immortal chiefs Fu, Lu, and Shou (happiness, prosperity, and longevity). The rider on the phoenix at the top might be the goddess Wang Mu Niangniang (Queen Mother). The whole image is strongly decorative and is a very common gift for blessing others with longevity.