Framed Chinese Embroidery Panel of Longevity Deities

A large Chinese embroidery work of art presented in a carved gilt frame with and silver borders, circa late Qing Dynasty 19th century. The impressive work depicts two well beloved Chinese deities of longevity: Magu and Shouxing.
Magu (Hemp Maiden) is a legendary Taoist deity associated with the elixir of life, and a symbolic protector of women in Chinese mythology. She is always depicted as a beautiful young woman with a smiling face in flowing robe with elaborate hairdo adorned with jewelries. Often she holds a large gift basket that is filled plants and fruits symbolizing longevity such as peaches, lingzhi mushroom and grains. The motif is very popular in Chinese culture and called 'Magu's Birthday Greeting" The other deity is Shouxing (The Star of Longevity, also known as The Old Man of the South Pole). He is the Taoist deification of Canopus, the brightest star of the constellation Carina. Always depicted as a healthy old man donning a long white beard, he holds a staff sometimes with Lingzhi other times with a gourd that contains elixir, and is accompanied by a deer. The two deities often come together in Chinese art as auspicious symbol of longevity.
The silk embroidery work was very finely done with tight needle work and various styles of stitches. The painstaking details throughout the piece are visually stunning. The color palette was intentionally restricted to red, black, grey and white on a vermillion background, to emphasize the auspicious nature of the symbolism.