A carved Guandi, or Chinese God of war circa late 15th early 16th century. Based on the historical figure Guan Yu who lived in the 3rd century, and became immortal, or a Guandi after death. He was captured and executed in 219, but rose to popularity and was romanticised during the Ming dynasty. One of the best-known stories tells how he became one of the Three Brothers of the Peach Orchard, Liu Bei. He intervened in a fight between Guan Yu and a prosperous butcher, Zhang Fei. The three became friends and swore oaths of undying loyalty that were observed until death. In 1594 Ming emperor Wanli canonised him as God of war and protector of China and her people.
