Vertical wooden plaque, a deity tablet, used for worshipping the Kitchen God. Carved, reddish brown and black lacquered wood painted with a gold inscription 'Siming Zaojun Shenwei', which reads 'Shrine of Zaojun, Overseer of Destiny'. The wooden plaque is flanked by two flaps decorated with carved chrysanthemum blossom and a foliate scroll, resting on a rectangular stand with carved scrolled feet and incised floral and scroll design at the front. Zaojun is a household deity placed in the kitchen. Incense and candles are lit regularly, and food offerings are presented to him each year on the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month when he returns to Heaven to give his report to the Jade Emperor, who would then reward or punish the household accordingly.
