A NANMU RUYI SCEPTER QING DYNASTY, 18TH / 19TH CENTURY

superbly conceived as a gnarled lingzhi fungus branch, the terminal deeply carved and undercut in the form of a large lingzhi fungus, the gnarled branch entwined with a rope-like branch bearing attendant lingzhi heads, the wood of rich light brown tone with a bronze-like patina

Apart from a few age cracks (mostly on the underside of the head and on the shaft), the overall condition is very good. The underside is slightly darker stained than the top. There is a 5mm nick to the edge of one of the attendant lingzhi heads.
"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 lingzhi fungus, believed to have magical and supernatural powers, is a type of fungi known as Ganoderma Lucidum named after its lobed appearance. In China, it has been used as medicine for thousands of years and its healing ability has come to be known as the fungus of immortality. The sceptre, itself associated with the ruyi which literally means 'as you wish', combined with the lingzhi fungus, make this piece especially rich in auspicious symbolism.   

Two wood ruyi sceptres carved as lingzhi branches with the stems interwoven to form the handles, from the collection of Wellington Wang and included in the exhibition Palm Universe – Ruyi Sceptres from the Wellington Wang Collection, National Museum of History, Taipei, 2004, were sold in our New York rooms, 19^th March 2007,  lot 651 and lot 652.  Compare also a carved boxwood sceptre sold at Christie's New York, 19^th September 2007, lot. 37; and another sold in these rooms, 10^th April 2006, lot 1656, attributed to the mid-Qing period.