Shou Lao, or Shouxing, as he is often called, is the God of Longevity. He is often depicted as an old man with a long white beard and a deer or a crane at his side. He is believed to control the life spans of mortals. According to legend, he was carried in his mother's womb for ten years before being born, and was already an old man when delivered. He is recognized by his high, domed forehead and the peach which he carries as a symbol of immortality. Shou Lao is usually shown smiling and friendly. This exceptional boxwood (huang yang mu) carving was acquired at the Canton Fair in China in 1991. Shou Lao is clinging to a giant peach. Look at the carving of his hands and face which were created by a master carver in 1990. There is an inscription on the side which reads: Longevity, carved by Mu Shi in the first month of the spring of 1990 (长寿庚午年孟春木石刻制). Size without stand: Height 10 cm. Width 9 cm. Depth 4 cm. Size with stand: Height 13 cm. Width 17 cm. Depth 10 cm.