1940s Chinoiserie Famille Rose Figural Lamps God & Goddess of Longevity - a Pair

Description

1940s Chinese Famille Rose porcelain pair of figural table lamps featuring Goddess Magu & God Shou Lao, the God & … more 1940s Chinese Famille Rose porcelain pair of figural table lamps featuring Goddess Magu & God Shou Lao, the God & Goddess of Longevity. The lamps were made in the 1940s but the porcelain figures appear to be older.

My research found that Magu ("Hemp Lady") is celebrated as the Goddess of Longevity. Her association with the hemp plant Cannabis Sativa further enhances her ties to immortality as it is the oldest Chinese pharmacopeia associated with the elixir of life. Accompanied by her faithful companion, a spotted deer, reputed to live long and be the only creature able to find the mushroom of immortality that Magu appears to be holding in her hand. She is also a symbolic protector of women.

Shou Lao, the God of Longevity is recognizable by his oversized forehead, representing wisdom, and his long beard representing long life. He holds a peach and a staff, both symbols of longevity, and said to come from the Goddess Xiwangmu's magical garden in Heaven where peaches (the fruits of longevity) grow.

The porcelain figures are handpainted with lovely colors, patterns, and gold highlights. The figures sit on wonderfully detailed brass bases with beautiful patina and have brass roped stems that hold the bulbs and harps for shades. The Goddess of Longevity lamp measures approximately 30"h to the top of the shade and 7.5"w x 6"d. The God of Longevity lamp measures approximately 30"h to the top of the shade and 7.5"w x 6.5"d. The porcelain figures alone measure approximately 13"h x 5.5"w x 4"d not including their brass bases.

I will include the vintage silk pagoda shades that are in fair condition and have had their linings removed.

Please note that the brass finials are different from one another. less