Lot 3659
  • 3659

AN EXCEPTIONAL PAIR OF LARGE PALE CELADON JADE 'SHOU' RUYI SCEPTRES QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

Estimate
3,500,000 - 4,500,000 HKD
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Description

  • JADE
each with a large lingzhi-shaped terminal carved in low relief with a stylised shou character, below a soaring bat suspending a beribboned wan character in its mouth, the billowing ribbons extending downwards and flanking the shou character, all below a further wan symbol, the end of the arched shaft carved in low relief with archaistic scrolls, the bottom edge pierced for threading a tassel, the stone of a pale celadon colour mottled with faint russet inclusions

Condition

Both sceptres are in good condition with just minute nibbles to the edges, barely visible to the naked eye. The actual colour of the jade is a tinge greener than the catalogue illustration.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

Ruyi sceptres of this magnificent size are rarely fashioned in jade, given the scarcity of boulders large enough to make objects of such impressive dimensions. The present pair of sceptres is also exceptional for the fine quality of the stone, enhanced by minor russet staining that provides a naturalistic. The high level of artistry and craftsmanship is evident in the fine quality of the carving and the decoration has been carefully chosen for its auspicious connotations.

Ruyi sceptres are highly auspicious objects favoured for their shape and ornamentation, which represent the propitious expression ‘as you wish’. Their origin remains a matter of speculation, with the popular belief being that their shape evolved from back-scratchers commonly made in bamboo or bone. However, their function may more likely have derived from hu tablets, items of authority and social rank held in the hands of officials in ancient China.  From the Song dynasty (960-1279), sceptres became closely associated with Daoism, and their heart-shaped head was often rendered as a lingzhi, the longevity fungus. By the Ming period (1368-1644), they were often presented as gifts among the official-gentry class, while under the Qing (1644-1911), starting from the Yongzheng reign (1722-1735), they became imperial objects that were bestowed by the emperor to his worthy officers and loyal subjects as rewards, and conversely made ideal tribute gifts to the emperors. Both the Yongzheng and the Qianlong Emperor (r. 1736-1795) had themselves painted holding ruyi sceptres, and the latter was particularly fond of them and owned an extensive collection.

Two large ruyi sceptres carved with a similar auspicious motif of bats and shou character were sold in our New York rooms, one, 11th March 1975, lot 56, and the other, 25th October 1975, lot 17; another, from the collection of His Highness Maharaja Sir Padma Shumshere Jung Bahadur Rana, was sold in our London rooms, 15th May 2013, lot 57; and two were sold at Christie’s New York, the first, 23rd/24th September 1988, lot 244, and the second, 1st June 1990, lot 369. Compare also smaller sceptres of this type, such as one in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, included in the Museum’s exhibition Masterpieces of Chinese Ju-I Scepters in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, 1974, cat. no. 4; and another from the De An Tang collection, included in the exhibition A Romance With Jade, Palace Museum, Beijing, 2004, cat. no. 20.  

The motif of a bat (fu), shou (longevity) character and endless knot (panchang) on this pair of sceptres signifies the wish fushou mianchang (‘May you have endless blessings and longevity’).