A white jade-mounted hardwood ruyi-sceptre

19TH CENTURY

Details

A white jade-mounted hardwood ruyi-sceptre
19th Century
The ruyi-shaped head inset with a large white jade plaque carved with Shoulao and a deer, the curved shaft and rounded end with carved plaques of a young boy and a crane, with knotted and fringed tassels, 57 cm. long; and a wood figure of a standing Guanyin, 41.5 cm. high (2)

Lot Essay

The ruyi sceptre was often given as a birthday present as its shape, the lingzhi fungus, was symbolic of longevity and at the same time was considered a token of favour, respect or friendship. Until the Song period, the ruyi sceptre was mainly carved from wood but in later periods other materials were used such as jade, ivory, lacquer, metals and ceramics.

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