This stunning piece of hand carved jade is deeply carved to reveal the lucky god of longevity, Fukurokuju, holding a stork and a peach. The details of his face and hands and body is amazing. He is carved on the back as well that shows his back and a Lotus. This stunning piece of hand carved jade is deeply carved to reveal the god of longevity holding a stork and a peach. The details of his face and hands and body is amazing. He is carved on the back as well that shows his back and a lotus. The chain is green with hints of lavender on the gods face. On the back is revealed more lavender. Green and lavender together are occasionally found naturally in jade. The pendant measures 2” long, 1 1/8” wide. I have beaded the pendent with 8 mm green Jade. The necklace is 21” around and is finished with a large sterling silver hook clasp. This is a beautiful and unique necklace.

One of the gods of good fortune the God of longevity happiness and wealth, Fukurokuju or Shou-xing, often shown holding a peach and accompanied by the White Deer or a stork, symbolic of a long and healthy life. Legend has it that Shou-xing lives in a palace at the South Pole surrounded by a garden of aromatic herbs.

He is often displayed in the home to promote good health and long life to the occupants.

In Asian legends the stork is said to live 1,000 years. They are symbolic of longevity. The stork is frequently shown together with pine trees also a symbol of longevity.

The peach is also known as the "fairy fruit" and is thought to have originated in China. It is an emblem of marriage and a symbol of spring, longevity and immortality. The peach tree of the Gods was said to blossom once every 3000 years and the fruit of eternal life took another 3000 years to ripen.

The sacred lotus, also known as the sea rose, is a symbol of purity, fruitfulness and creativity. The lotus, an aquatic plant, grows in ponds or rivers, the roots planted in the bottom soil and the leaves float on the water. The blossoms rise above the leaves and are very showy.

Called the stone of heaven, jade has worn jade for centuries by Chinese royalty. It has been used since the Neolithic times for tools, weaponry, amulets, vases and figurines because of its hardness. It is believed to be a spiritual stone and has been called the jewel of heaven. It represents the five principal virtues: charity, modesty, courage, justice and wisdom. From cloudy white to golden brown, light to dark green, to rare lavender, jade is the most highly prized Asian gemstone. Jade has been regarded as the most precious stone for thousands of years and is treasured for its magical powers. It is believed to protect the wearer and ensure good luck and good health as well as to increase life span, which is why most Asians put a jade bangle on a baby’s arm and wear jade themselves.