A popular household god throughout the
centuries, this deity has its origins in Taoism
though iconographically it relates to the Buddhist
Four Heavenly Kings. He is depicted seated on a
stump with his right leg resting on a black tiger
and his left foot stepping on the head of a
dragon. The God of Wealth can appear in civil or
military form. In this statue, he is shown in
elaborate military armor decorated with animal
mask motif and imperial insignia. Wearing a
fantastic headdress with long circular protrusions
that hang to his belt, this bearded deity strikes
fear with his exaggerated facial expression and
raised arm. In one hand, he holds either a gold
ingot that express hope for future wealth or a
vessel containing the elixir of life. Zai Shen, God
of Wealth, is universally worshipped, especially
by poor peasants and gamblers. He lived on
earth as a hermit whose miraculous powers
included the ability to ride on the black tiger
shown here. He fought for Wu, founder of the
Zhou dynasty against the last of the Shang. He
was killed by sorcery, but was later immortalized
as God of Riches.
- (PF.5158)
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