Chinese Ruyi / Scepter

 circa 1850 

PRICE $3200

 Ch’ing period scepter with three Jade medallions all carved in deep relief. Each medallion represents a goose in various poses over a floral background.  Excellent carving.  No damage.  

 

dimensions:

approx 20" long x 4" across largest medallion

Zitan wood has long been considered by the Chinese to be the most precious wood.  It is the hardest and heaviest of all hardwoods and most pieces are a purplish-black but while other are only black with the grain nearly invisible.

The Zitan wood on this scepter is black with a purple tint.

 

  A beautiful carving of a goose is found on each of the three jade carvings surrounded by a floral design.

 

In Chinese culture the wild goose is a symbol of marital fidelity.

dimensions of carving:

approx. 4 1/4" wide x 3" tall

dimensions of carving:

approx 1 1/2" wide x 2 3/4" tall

 

dimensions of carving:

approx. 2" wide x 1 3/4" tall

The ruyi scepter has the history of being the emblem of He Xiangu (one of the eight immortals). During the period of time during the Qing dynasty is was seen as an ordinary custom for the Emperor to present the ruyi of jade to Ministers of the State. This custom was continued among nobility and scholars to show recognition of wisdom and respect. It was seen as granting the wish of immortality. During the Qing dynasty, the ruyi scepter was also used by the Emperor and princes as a symbol of their positions.

The shape of the scepter is said to imitate the shape of a mythological mushroom called Lingzhi that was said to give eternal life.

for inquiries email info@galwest.com

All pages on this web site are copyright 1998 to 2016 by Williams Gallery West