A very old carving, worn with age but with only minor losses, the main body and the portrait-quality face intact;
worn down to a dappled softness. The deity he wears the painted official’s cap, the high-collared long-sleeved robe, the
thick belt. He was likely worshipped as the Kitchen God. His importance is further indicated by his seat upon a high
backless throne. The statue was first painted with red lacquer, then black lacquer was applied, with additional pigments
over the second layer. Much of the red remains. The figure holds a sceptre of office in his right hand, and left a gold
piece, with traces of fine cord wound around a projection at the upper end. On the Taoist deity ’s chin and in front of
the ears are remnants of a human hair beard.