Shou-Lau; China, Qing dynasty, periods Tongzhi (1862-1874) or Guanxu (1875-1908). Glazed and enameled porcelain. Measurements: 32,5 x 18 x 10,5 cm. Shou Lao is the Taoist god of Longevity. He is represented as an old master with beard and elongated head that leans on his callado. Although it is not the case of the figure presented here, sometimes several peaches, which is the fruit of immortality, sprout from Shou Lao's staff, but the posture of the character indicates that he originally had a staff. In addition, the god usually appears next to a deer, which was considered the only animal capable of finding the mythical linghzi mushroom of immortality. It is precisely the Ming dynasty, to which this figure belongs, when the so-called "Star Gods" began to be venerated: Fu, symbol of good fortune; Lu, symbol of prosperity; and Shou, symbol of longevity. Thus, in Taoism, Shou-Lao symbolizes the star Canopus, which is visible in March and April. Hence? this god is considered the incarnation of spring, rebirth, peace and full life.