Tael

Images of Taoists, wealth gods and priests are often portrayed carrying a rectangular or boat shaped objects symbolizing wealth and thus are a wish for riches and good fortune. These objects represent taels, a common form of currency in China or, more specifically, ingots called yuanbao. Ingots are silver measurements of value first used during the Yuan dynasty that were molded into boat or shoe-shaped objects called yuanbao. Yuanbao is a rebus (visual pun) symbolizing official office or rank and can also symbolize coming in first in the imperial examination system. Silver ingots are also one of the Chinese Eight Treasures and symbolize brightness and purity. Statues of taoist priests holding a tael/ingot and a cup with the elixir of immortality are sometimes included on home altars along with statues of ancestors.