CHINA, QING DYNASTY, 18TH-19TH CENTURY

It is rare to find two ruyi scepters carved as a pair in mirror image. Each of these scepters displays multiple auspicious motifs, including prunus branches representing a wish for the Five Blessings, wufu - longevity, wealth, health, love of virtue and a peaceful death. The phoenix and fruiting peach tree seen on the wish-granting, ruyi-form heads symbolize peace, prosperity and longevity. A pair of phoenixes is associated with a wish for a harmonious marriage, suggesting that the present pair of scepters could be intended as a wedding gift when displayed together.