Shou-sin — The Old Man of the South Pole. Netsuke from mammoth tusk

The miniature is carved by a master from a fossil mammoth tusk.

Shou-xing (Chinese :星星, or 南人人, or ya 南人人 - "Nan-ji lao-ren" - the Elder of the South Pole) is a deity of longevity in Chinese mythology, also the Taoist personification of the star Canopus, the brightest in the constellation of Keel ("Nan-dou" - the Southern bucket). In the drawings that are popular among the people (nianhua), he is placed next to other star spirits-Lu-xing (the god of career) and Fu-xing (the god of happiness). Shaw-sin was approached with pleas for longevity.

The star Canopus is rarely seen in Northern China, as it rises low from the horizon and has a reddish hue. Since the red color, according to the ancient ideas of local astrologers, is a symbol of happiness and longevity, the appearance of this star is a good sign, foreshadowing the longevity of the sovereign and the well-being of the country, and its absence in the firmament is disasters and wars.

Products made of mammoth tusk are a rare opportunity to touch the distant history of our PLANET. A great gift that will be passed on from generation to generation.

A certificate of authenticity of the fossil material and a gift package are attached.