Zhao Gongming’s image is recorded in Taoist classics, originally as a plague deity. In the Ming Dynasty, he was deified as the “True Lord of the Long and Tiger” and became the leader of the wealth deities.
He is depicted with an iron crown, holding an iron whip, black face and thick beard, riding a black tiger, and ruling over wealth.
In folklore, Zhao Gongming is seen as the direct controller of wealth, and people revere him, praying for wealth and prosperity.
Particularly began in the Ming Dynasty, the fifteenth day of the third lunar month is considered his birthday and marked with celebrations.