The ‘tou originated from Kau-Kong or ‘sa-t’ay and was known in the old days as the tou of the silks, this rare type of sailing craft served the silk province of the West River delta.
They were constructed mainly of teak, camphor, chau and entena, a soft and water-resistant pine.
They were usually unpainted. The large sliding type rudder permitted running aground when necessary. Originally, guns were mounted on the main deck.
A few tous, disarmed, are still in use in (1986)
Macao 1985 50a sg617, scott518.
Source: Watercraft Philately 1986.