Hand-made miniature carved from the kernel of a Chinese ‘gânlan’ fruit, a very hard material. The carving depicts Shoulao, God of Longevity, recognizable by his tall, over-sized forehead, representing Wisdom and a long Beard representing Long life. Attributes include a Peach and a Staff, both symbols of Longevity themselves, and said to have come from Xi Wangmu's magical garden in Heaven where the fruits of Longevity (Peaches) grow. Also shown is a Boy attendant symbolic for a wish to have many sons. The God of Longevity (Shou) is known as one of the ‘Three Stargods’ or San Xing, along with the God of Wealth (Lu) and the God of Prosperity (Fu). The carving is not signed and dates from the latter part of the 20th century. Length 2.9 cm. Diameter 1.7 cm.