AN INLAID RUYI SCEPTRE QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

the elegant arched shaft carved in high relief to the upper section with a pair of cranes amongst pine, paulownia and bamboo, the lower section with a pair of the deer in a rocky landscape, the head, middle and terminal sections inlaid with plaques enclosed within pearl and hardstone beaded bands, the head with a shou character medallion encircled by four bats surrounded by foliate scrolls inlaid with enamel, the middle section similarly decorated with a stylised shou character flanked by a pair of bats, the terminal with a shou character medallion wreathed by a foliate scroll, the end pierced for threading a tassel

The sides of the middle section have two 8 cm hongmu patches. Due to the scarcity of the material, the patches were added to widen the sceptre. Originally, the patches may have been zitan, but may have fallen off and were replaced by the hongmu patches. The end of the sceptre also has two original zitan patches to widen the sceptre. The seed pearls are intact, as well as the jades and enameling. One of the tips of the deer's antler has chipped off. The tassle is in good condition. The overall condition is quite good.
"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."