Lot Essay
Compare the present lot with another ruyi of wood, lacquered with gold in imitation of gilt-bronze, included in the National Palace Museum, Taiwan, exhibition, Auspicious Ju-I Scepters of China, 1995, illustrated in the Catalogue, no. 72. The composition and carving style are very similar, although the Taiwan example is decorated with the Three Abundances. Cf. also coral sceptres, illustrated ibid., nos. 45-47.