This is the figure of Guan Gong, a popular Daoist deity with the Peranakan community. He is usually placed on the deity altar in the reception hall of a traditional Peranakan home. This particular figure of Guan Gong is stylistically typical of Singapore Chinese and Peranakan Chinese altar figures, some of which were produced here in Singapore in what was known as ‘god shops’. It is also significant because of the attributes he is holding – the Guan dao (polearm) signifying his position as ‘god of war’ and the book, a nod to his status as one of ‘god of literature’.Guan Gong was a historical figure born around 160CE, known for his loyalty and courage as a great military strategist. By the 15th century, he had become one of the central gods of the Daoist pantheon.
