A HARDWOOD 'PINE' RUYI SCEPTRE QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

naturalistically carved in the form of the knotty branch of a pine tree, the arched gnarly shaft detailed with attendant twigs and branches culminating in a canopy of needle clusters forming the ruyi head, the bottom further carved with bamboo shoots and pierced for threading a pale blue tassel, the reverse engraved with a couplet in regular script reading Qianzai tengluo wannian song, bailing gong zhu yong zhangsheng ('Thousand-year-old vine joins with everlasting pine to celebrate longevity'), the surface of rich deep reddish-brown colour

A private Japanese collection.

There are a couple of horizontal age crack and some wear to the surface but overall the ruyi is in very good condition.
"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."