This bamboo root carving shows the Shoulao and boy in a standing posture. The deity is depicted with a bald head, bushy eyebrows, a long beard, a protruding jaw and forehead, and a peaceful, harmonious expression. He is shown bending slightly forward from the waist, wearing a wide-sleeved long gown. His right arm is raised above his shoulder, holding a long staff; his left arm is extended straight out to the side, holding a branch from a peach tree. A boy is stood just in front of the deity’s left knee; with his hair tied up in two topknots, and holding a peach-tree branch in his hand, he has a comical appearance. Imposing in size, and with smooth, flowing lines that reflect first-class carving technique, this piece succeeds in bringing across both the auspicious aspect of the shoulao and boy and the humorous relation between the two figures. Overall, this is the work of a master craftsman.

H: 28.2 cm