Sceptre Ruyi en jade céladon pâle Chine, dynastie Qing, période Qianlong (1736-1795)

à décor d'un immortel et son serviteur sous un pin dans un paysage rocailleux surplombé d'une pagode ; le manche courbe sculpté de deux pêches de longévité et l'extrêmité de deux lingzhi ; le dos orné de deux chauves-souris en vol au milieu de nuages et de fleurs, un cordon et des passementeries attachés à la base

The shaft restored behind the ruyi head ; a few natural inear inclusions in the stone ; some tiny nicks to the edges of the carved design ; otherwise in good condition. The actual color is a fraction more celadon than the catalogue illustration would suggest.
"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 present sceptre is notable for its fine quality carving and even tone of the jade stone, which is accentuated by the brilliantly polished surface. A talisman presented to bestow good fortune, ruyi in Chinese means 'as you wish'; thus the ruyi sceptre itself and the carved decoration imbue this piece with rich auspicious symbolism. The Daoist immortal Shoulau (the God of Longevity) and an attendant are depicted on the head of the present sceptre and the theme of longevity is repeated through the pine trees in the landscape as well as the peaches on the shaft. Furthermore, the narcissus (symbolic of good fortune and prosperity) and lingzhi fungus of longevity together represent the wish, 'May the fungus immortal congratulate you on your birthday'.

The long history of the ruyi sceptre dates back to pre-Tang (618-907) times, with its origins connected to Buddhism when it was used as a back-scratcher. With the decline of Buddhism during the later half of the Tang period, sceptres became closely associated with Daoism and from that time onwards the heart-shaped head was often rendered as a longevity fungus (lingzhi). Sceptres also became highly ornamental and were designed in any shape that was considered suitable for its use as a secular good luck charm. During the Qing dynasty sceptres became imperial objects. Its auspicious nature combined with the choice of material and high level of craftsmanship made them the perfects gifts, bestowed by the emperor to worthy officers and loyal subjects.

For comparable ruyi sceptres depicting Shoulau, see two slightly smaller examples, one sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 7^th May 2002, lot 616, and the other sold in our New York rooms, 18^th September 1996, lot 40. A slightly larger example, but with the shaft carved in shallow relief with the characters jixiang ruyi (May all your good fortunes be fulfilled), was sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 29^th May 2007, lot 1393.