A carved wood figure of Guan Di from the early Qing dynasty (1636–1911). The figure depicts the deity seated on a throne, wearing armour beneath a robe, with his feet resting on two lion cubs. The sculpture was originally painted and fitted with applied facial hair. Figures of this type and scale were commonly installed in domestic shrines, where they served a protective function.

Guan Di is the deified form of the historical general Guan Yu (late 2nd–early 3rd century CE). Guan Yu became widely known as an exemplar of loyalty through historical writing, popular storytelling, theatre and the Ming dynasty novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms.

By the late imperial period, Guan Yu was worshipped as Guan Di, a deity associated with loyalty, righteousness and integrity. He was also venerated by merchants as a protector of honesty and trust in trade.