A CARVED CELADON AND RUSSET JADE RUYI SCEPTRE QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

the ruyi-shaped terminal carved in low relief with a bat clutching a beribboned stonechime in its mouth above two entwined catfish enclosing a wan symbol, the curved S-shaped shaft decorated with a gnarled leafy branch bearing two peaches on the front and vaporing clouds on the reverse, framed by a bat at the other end, the stone of an even pale celadon tone suffused with russet inclusions

The ruyi sceptre is in excellent condition with the exception of extremely minor nibbling along the edges.
"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 piece are particularly rich in symbolism. The ruyi sceptre is a talisman presented to bestow good fortune and has its origins in Buddhism as it is thought to have developed from back-scratchers used by monks and holy figures. It was later adapted by Daoists who rendered the heart-shaped head as a lingzhi (longevity fungus). Thus, as its functional purpose was lost the sceptre could take any form deemed suitable to express well-wishing. During the Yongzheng emperor's reign the auspicious tradition of the ruyi (literally 'as you wish') was revived and sceptres became an imperial object that was presented to the emperor or members of the Imperial family as well as high officials as auspicious gifts on celebratory occasions.

For a comparable ruyi sceptre, see a slightly longer white jade example with russet inclusions, similarly carved with a bat, stone chime and twin fish on the head, sold in these rooms, 28^th October 1988, lot 298; a larger sceptre carved from a celadon and russet stone, adorned with a shou character flanked by two bats below a bat holding a stone chime, sold at Christie's New York, 1^st June 1990, lot 369; and a third piece, carved with a fruiting peach bough beneath a musical stone and the shaft with branches of fruiting pomegranate and finger citron, sold in these rooms, 21^st June 1977, lot 279.

The head of this sceptre is carved with an upside down bat and double fish suspending from a stone chime, representing the arrival of a superabundance of happiness and blessings. Such auspicious imagery is reinforced through the peach branches on the shaft, which are symbolic of longevity.