Monumental Hand-Carved Chinese Teakwood Shoulao Sculpture – God of Longevity (65.5 x 27.5 cm / 8.6 kg)

This monumental wooden statue of Shoulao (65.5 cm) is entirely hand-carved from a single solid block of old tropical teak wood and belongs to the most impressive examples of traditional Chinese folk art. With an exceptional weight of 8.6 kg, the sculpture possesses a rare massive quality that is immediately palpable. The rich three-dimensional composition, refined woodcarving, and warm dark brown patina make this statue a special collector's item and an imposing eye-catcher within an exclusive interior or Asian art collection.

The Philosophical & Spiritual Significance: Why this statue is essential

Shoulao belongs to the famous Fu Lu Shou triad and is revered in Taoism as the god of a long, healthy, and prosperous life.

• Shoulao – God of Longevity: His characteristic high forehead symbolizes boundless wisdom, vitality, and a long life. He has been considered a bringer of health and happiness for centuries.
• The Sacred Scroll: The carefully carved scroll with calligraphic characters refers to knowledge, life wisdom, and the transmission of spiritual insights through the generations.
• Children & Deer: The two children at his feet represent blessed offspring, family happiness, and prosperity. The mythical deer, Shoulao's traditional companion, symbolizes longevity, social appreciation, and lasting success.
• Protective Dragon Arch: The elegant branch motif framing the composition resembles a protective celestial dragon and reinforces the symbolism of protection, strength, and cosmic harmony.

Material & Craftsmanship Analysis

• Solid Old Teak Wood: The sculpture is entirely carved from one monolithic block of mature tropical teak wood (Tectona grandis), a type of wood known for its exceptional durability and natural oils.
• Hand-carved Craftsmanship: The fine details, deep reliefs, and expressive faces demonstrate the high level of traditional Chinese woodcarving.
• Authentic Patina: The surface possesses a warm sheen, created by years of use. In the deeper recesses, the original dark brown lacquer wash has been preserved, giving the relief extra depth.
• Historical Features: The underside shows traditional gouge and working marks, while the back still features hand-painted green and red good luck symbols. The original anchor holes in the base emphasize the historical character of the statue.

Specifications

• Height: 65.5 cm
• Width: 27.5 cm
• Weight: 8.6 kg
• Subject: Shoulao – God of Longevity (Fu Lu Shou triad)
• Material: 100% solid old tropical teak wood (Tectona grandis)
• Construction: Monolithic, carved from a single block
• Finish: Original dark brown lacquer wash with natural usage patina
• Condition: Excellent vintage condition with stable wood, rich patina, and original anchor holes in the base

Each object is examined before it is offered: material, casting or carving technique, surface, and signs of age are compared with documented references. You will receive a certificate of authenticity and an official invoice detailing the period, material, and available provenance.

How we verify authenticity

Fully insured worldwide shipping in museum-quality packaging. Returns are sent to our Dutch address and you have a 14-day cooling-off period.

Read the shipping policy and the refund policy.

Pay securely at checkout with credit card, Klarna, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. The certificate of authenticity and the invoice are included in the price.