The Immortal with a broad forehead

Each plaque is finely carved with figures and symbols carrying auspicious meaning from major Chinese belief systems such as Daoism, Confucianism and Buddhism, as well as motifs connected to traditional folk beliefs. For instance, the old man with his iconic broad forehead carved on the topmost plaque on the back of the pipa is Shou Lao, one of the most important and beloved Daoist immortals, who symbolizes longevity.