Details
A RARE HARDSTONE-INSET GILT BRONZE RUYI
QING DYNASTY, 19TH CENTURY

Finely cast in relief along the top of the curved shaft with the eight Buddhist emblems, bajixiang, all ribbon-tied and separated by a lotus spray, the sides with a continuous keyfret motif leading up to the lingzhi-shaped head inset with spinel blossoms and buds on jadeite lotus leaves carved in openwork
11 1/4 in. (31.1 cm.) long
Provenance
The Fogg Art Museum, Harvard University
Previously sold at Christie's New York, 19 September 2007, lot 103

If you wish to view the condition report of this lot, please sign in to your account.

Sign in
View condition report

Lot Essay

The present ruyi belongs to a group which employed colourful hardstone inlay and gilt-metal to create a lush, rich effect. Several ruyi of this type are illustrated in Masterpieces of Chinese Ju-i Scepters in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, 1974, nos. 36, 40 and 42, as well as 21, which has a gilded redwood body. Cf. nos. 40 and 42, ibid., with similarly carved gemstones representing various auspicious fruits and flowers, comparable to the present example.

More from The Imperial Sale Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art

View All
View All