A blue and white Daoist figure of Zhao Gongming, Wanli. Photo Bonhams

The figure seated atop a pedestal with tri-fold panels, wearing a scholarly hait and long-sleeved loose robes decorated with floral designs and Buddhist chakra wheels, its face serene with wisdom, covered only by the long neatly-brushed beard. 27.2cm high. Lot 267. Estimate: HK$ 120,000 - 150,000 / US$ 15,000 - 19,000 / £9,600 - 12,000. Unsold.

明萬曆 青花瓷胎趙公明坐像

Zhao Gongming, also known as 'Heavenly Marshall Zhao' is one of the most popular Daoist deities absorbed into the Daoist pantheon. Known to many as 'caishen' or 'God of Wealth', the Chinese folk hero who was venerated by many is often invoked during the Chinese New Year celebrations, with the hope that the new year would bring good fortune.

The current lot is a good example of a movable altarware probably hung on the wall for prayers. During prayers, one would also show gratitude by offering incense, which would be placed standing at the hands of the deity.

Compare a sancai-glazed figure of the same deity with inscribed 'Qiao Bin' (active potter from 1481-1507), dating to 1482 in the British Museum collection, bequested to the museum by Harrison Cady in 1971, reg. no.1971.163.

Bonhams. 27 May 2012 2 p.m. Hong Kong. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art