A Chinese gilt lacquered figure of a daoist deity, Ming dynasty (1368-1644).

The figure, with benevolent expression, is cast in a seated position with hands clasped together in front of the chest, and wearing a voluminous robe that falls to the top of his ruyi-toed shoes and is secured with a court belt and a long sash tied in a bow between the legs. The borders are variously with dragons chasing flaming pearls, Chinese characters and floral scroll. The deity also wears a ribbed headdress secured by a hairpin and hung with cords that trail behind the ears and are then crossed above a lock-form pendant. Height 24.5 cm.