Chinese Wood Carving: Figure of “Lu Xing”, originally identified with the planet Jupiter, the god of wages and employees. The Lu star is believed to be Zhang Xian, who lived during the later Shu dynasty, who was a bureaucrat who served in the government of the founder of the Han dynasty (206 BC – 220). The word “Lu” specifically refers to the salary of a government official. As such, the Lu star is the star of prosperity, rank, and influence. He was invoked as a deity to succeed in examinations given by imperial officials and to maintain and raise rank in the imperial bureaucracy. He is usually depicted in the dress of a Mandarin.
Carving Beijing, S. XIX.
Height: 20 cm. (with base).
