Ritual sculpture carved in the round, depicting a martial protective deity identified with the Martial God of Wealth (Wu Caishen), majestically seated on a high-backed throne.
 
The deity is dressed in full ceremonial armour, partially concealed beneath a ritual robe. The central breastplate is decorated in relief, while the shoulders and legs are protected by overlapping armour plates. The raised and pierced right hand was originally intended to hold his famous halberd (Guan Dao) or another ritual attribute. The left hand is broken and missing. His feet, clad in ceremonial boots, rest upon small mythical creatures resembling guardian lions (Foo dogs), forming a footrest.
 
The face conveys protective strength and authority. The almond-shaped eyes are set beneath strongly furrowed brows, while small holes surrounding the mouth would originally have held a beard and moustache made of natural hair, an iconographic attribute closely associated with the general Guan Yu. The head is crowned with a traditional martial headdress surmounted by a blue-painted topknot.
 
The sculpture retains remarkable traces of its original polychromy beneath generous gold-leaf gilding. Shades of green, red and mineral blue enhance the carved decoration. The surface displays an authentic altar patina, with traces of incense and natural age-related cracking to the wood.
 
Although Guan Yu was originally a heroic general of the Three Kingdoms period who was later deified as the God of War (Guandi), he is also widely revered throughout China as Wu Caishen (武財神), the Martial God of Wealth. He has traditionally been particularly venerated by merchants and businessmen, as he embodies loyalty, integrity, justice and trustworthiness in commercial dealings. His presence on domestic and commercial altars was intended not only to encourage prosperity but also to protect the household or business from harmful influences and dishonest associates.
 
Condition: Patinated. Fair condition considering its age, with losses, chips and areas of erosion. The left hand is missing. A visible crack does not affect the structural stability of the sculpture.