A hardstone, coral and ivory-inlaid wood ruyi sceptre Qing Dynasty, Guangxu Period

the curved knotted shaft terminating to a lingzhi head, inlaid with jade, jadeite, agate, rose quartz, rock crystal, stained ivory and coral, depicting fruiting leafy sprays of peach, the rectangular stand with balustrades and reticulated ivory fence and a shaped textile support bearing an inscription meaning Presented by Gang Yi (1837-1900), who was the Governor of Guangdong during Guangxu period, glass case

According to family tradition directly acquired by a member of the Brockholst Livingston family - the famous Revolutionary War officer Henry Brockholst Livingston (1757 -1823) being the family father - during a visit to China and thence by descent to the present owner

The sceptre is in reasonable good condition. There are minor losses to the inlay, including but not limited to the top left area of the ruyi head where pierced apertures are visible, some losses to the stained ivory branches throughout, and general nibbling along the extremities of the inlays. There are traces of glue along various areas such as the seams where the wood had been pieced together to form the main body, and where the inlays have been re-attached, such as the ivory leaves at the bottom of the ruyi head. There are small losses to the extremities of the wood and ivory carvings. The jade and hardstone inlays with minor inclusions and natural veins. There are natural veins and knotting along the wood surface. The stand and tassel in general good order. There are minor stains to the textile. The stand with minor losses/breaks and repair to the wood and ivory structures. Please note some of the ivory structures may have been swapped earlier and now re-attached in their correct positions, hence the stand may look slightly different from the catalogue illustration. The inscription on the textile cushion is rubbed and slightly obscured. There are considerable stains and wear. For all sales which take place on or after 1 February 2015, please note that the rate of buyer's premium for each lot (charged as a percentage of the hammer price achieved for that lot) has been revised and shall be calculated at the thresholds set out below: Buyer's premium is 25% of the hammer price up to and including £100,000; Buyer's premium is 20% of the hammer price on any amount in excess of £100, 000 up to and including £1,800,000; Buyer's premium is 12% of the hammer price on any amount in excess of £1,800,000. As stated above, the revised thresholds are effective as of 1 February 2015.
"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."