A CINNABAR LACQUER RUYI SCEPTRE QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

the ruyi-shaped head deeply carved in relief enclosing a landscape scene with Han Zhongli, the leader of the 'Eight Immortals', carrying his magic fan amid rockwork, pine trees and asters, with a bat carved at the top, the arched shaft decorated with bamboo, lotus, a stylised shou character, and a Buddhist lion playing with its flaming ball, interrupted in the middle by a vase filled with prunus blossoms and pomegranates, together with a bowl of finger-citron, peach and pomegranate constituting the sanduo, 'The Three Abundances', and a beribboned archaic jade bi, the end decorated with a bat and lotus spray, the reverse with a cash diaper ground

The head has been reinforced to the handle, resulting in minor repainting to the restored area. The left side of the head has a small oval-shaped restored chip. There is another restored crack going around the width of the handle, where it beings to curve into the head. Minor age cracks and minor repainting in scattered areas of the handle.
"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."

The sceptre itself and the carved motifs on this particular ruyi sceptre are rich in symbolism. Ruyi sceptre is a talisman presented to bestow good fortune. The origins of the sceptre are associated with Buddhism and it is thought to have developed from back-scratchers used by monks and holy figures during pre-Tang (618-907) times. With the decline of Buddhism, it was later adapted by Daoists who introduced the heart-shaped head rendered as a lingzhi (longevity fungus). As the sceptre gradually lost its original practical purpose, it began to take any form deemed suitable to express well-wishing. It was during Yongzheng's reign that the auspicious tradition of the ruyi (literally 'as you wish') was revived. Sceptres became an imperial object and were presented to the Emperor or members of the Imperial family and high officials as auspicious gifts on occasions such as birthdays and promotions.

The present sceptre is skilfully carved in high relief to convey many auspicious emblems. The Daoist theme of longevity is represented through the inclusion of Han Zhongli, the leader of the Eight Immortals, and the shou character, while the sanduo (finger citron, peach and pomegranate) represents the three blessings of longevity, blessings and many sons. Lotus and bamboo are symbolic of a happy and peaceful marriage, while the lion and ball denote high rank, wealth and longevity. The combination of these motifs suggests that this ruyi was probably presented in its presentation box as a marriage gift to a high official.

For a comparable ruyi sceptre, see one from the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in Gugong Bowuyuan cang diao qi, Beijing, 1985, pls. 387 and 388; and one in the Museum für Kunsthandwerk, Frankfurt am Main, published in Gunhild Gabbert, Ostasiatische Lackkunst, Frankfurt am Main, 1978, pl. 8. See a related ruyi sceptre sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 27 October 2003, lot 789; and another sold in our New York rooms, 30 March 2006, lot 106.