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I think this plaque is dated Xin You, 辛酉, which would put the date at either 1860 or 1920. Since it appears to be Qianjiang style, and the enamels are more richly painted, I am assuming it is 1920 (unless of course I read the date wrong). Could someone please confirm?

Also, I've seen this scene depicted on a number of porcelains, but I don't know if it pertains to a specific story, or is simply a compilation of characters (shou lao, Zhong Kui and his sister, and the man with the baby (who I don't know who he is). Can someone provide some clarification?

Artist?

Thank you so much!

This is a motif known as "Fu,Lu, Shou" or "Sanxing" (Three Stars), for the three Star Gods of Daoism, Fuxing, Luxing and Shouxing. Respectively, Fuxing is the God of Wealth; Luxing oversees happy marriage, matters of career and home life; and Shouxing is the God of Long Life.

When seen together like this in art, Fuxing always is shown standing above his two colleagues, while Shouxing carries attributes such as the peaches of longevity and a peach-branch staff. As is the case here, Luxing often is holding a child and bestowing his blessings on same.

I've seen the female figure in other renditions of the pattern and presumed in the absence of godly attributes that she may be the child's mother, having her prayers answered. Maybe you can verify that when you pick up the research from here. Herewith is a Wikipedia.org entry for starters.

As to the cyclical date, I believe it is "Gengzi" (庚子), probably representing the year 1900. Haven't been able to identify any artist name from among the possibilities, but will try again later.

Best regards,

Bill H.

URL Title :Sanxing

Thanks, Bill H!

I have a fairly good knowledge of rebus depictions, and some very good reference books when I'm stumped. However, historical or religious figures still stump me as I don't have a good unified reference book.

Any suggestions?
Thanks.

Most Immortals and other legendary Chinese figures, be they historical, religious or otherwise, have achieved the distinction of standardized depictions in traditional arts. They also have other attributes associated with them. The best and least expensive place to start learning their faces and fables, apart from this forum that is, probably is Wikipedia.org.

Good luck,

Bill H.

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