18TH CENTURY

Details

A JADE-INSET CARVED ZITAN RUYI SCEPTER
18TH CENTURY
Each of the three domed jade plaques is carved with figural scenes of immortals or attendants, the lower plaque also with a spotted deer, set within a zitan scepter finely carved around the plaques with lotus scroll incorporating five bats (wufu) around the largest plaque, and with two striding chilong along the shaft.
22 ½ in. (56.3 cm.) long

Provenance

Anita Baldwin (1876-1939) Collection, Los Angeles, California, and thence by descent within the family.

Brought to you by

Olivia Hamilton

asianartny@christies.com 212-636-2180

Lot Essay

Ruyi scepters were popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly to be given as gifts on auspicious occasions such as birthdays. They were made in a wide variety of materials and were often decorated, as seen on the present piece, with auspicious emblems. The immortals and the deer on the jade plaques relay a wish for long life, while the five bats (wufu) carved on the scepter represent the Five Blessings (long life, riches, health, love of virtue, and a natural death).

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