The sculpture depicts the warrior God "Guandi". Seated on a throne, clad in armour and loose fitting robe, decorated in aubergine, turquoise and yellow glaze.. The face and hands left unglazed because they would have been cold painted after the firing. Guandi is the Chinese god of war whose immense popularity with the common people rests on the firm belief that his control over evil spirits is so great that even actors who play his part in dramas share his power over demons.