Tanka also known as boat people are an ethnic group from Southern China. The Tankas traditionally lived on junks, Chinese sailing ships. The figure is a Joss, Chinese deity or idol, who is seated on a chair with one hand on his knee and the other in a fist shape. The Joss may have served as a sort of protection over the Tanka people and their junk. The piece is wooden and painted red. There are Chinese characters on the back of the figure and a painted 6 or 9 at the bottom. 
 
The figure shows some signs of wear and age. 
 
Dimensions: 3" X L X 2 1/2" W X 7 1/4" H