CHINESE CELADON JADE RUYI SCEPTRE.Tongzhi Period, probably Imperial. The slender curved finely carved with a peach branch issuing from rockery and bat within a well-defined border, the shaft carved in low relief with flowering stems and lingzhi, the shaped foot with two holes to hold a silk tassel.
NOTE: The ruyi sceptre is a wish granting wand. It is the most auspicious of Chinese symbols. Ruyi literally means "as you wish" and implies perfect satisfaction. The head is usually shaped as a lingzhi fungus, symbol of longevity, decorated with auspicious Buddhist symbols such as bats and peaches as in this lot. Ruyi were customarily given to the emperor and empress on occasions such as birthdays, and also used as gifts among members of the Qing court. - 15 in. long. Estimate $6,000-8,000
PROVENANCE: Collection of a Maryland gentleman. By descent from the estate of Victor H. Berman, New Jersey. Acquired in the 1920s in Atlantic City.
