AN EXCEPTIONAL INSCRIBED PALE GREEN JADE RUYI SCEPTRE SIGNED YONG XUAN, QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

the large ruyi-shaped terminal decorated with a bat with outstretched wings and a ruyi-band enclosing a lush scene depicting chrysanthemum blooms issuing from behind pierced rockwork and tempestuous waves, the scene highlighted with a bat soaring amidst lingzhi cloud scrolls, the slender elegantly curved sceptre centred with an openwork panel in the form of a sinuous chilong clambering atop meandering scrollwork, the upper section of the shaft incised with a two-character yuzhi ('imperially made') inscription, the lower section with a further inscription wishing the recipient of the sceptre, possibly the Jiaqing Emperor, a harmonious rule and prosperous rule, signed minister Yong Xuan and followed by two seal marks, all above an outstretched bat, the underside with lingzhi cloud scrolls, the terminus of the sceptre pierced to thread a tassel, stand

The sceptre is in overall good condition. There are occasional minor nicks to the edges of the shaft, with an approx. 3 cm section possibly slightly polished down to conceal an earlier nick. There are also minute nicks and areas of bruising to the fragile extremities, including the central reticulated panel.
"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 motif adorning this piece and the sceptre itself are both rich in symbolism. The ruyi sceptre is a talisman presented to bestow good fortune. Believed to have originate from the end of the Warring States Period to the beginning of the Western Han dynasty, it was later adapted by Daoists who introduced the heart-shaped head rendered as a lingzhi fungus to express well-wishing. During the Yongzheng reign the auspicious tradition of the ruyi (literally meaning ‘as you wish’) was revived. He commissioned sceptres to be made in various media, and it thus became an important imperial object that was presented to the emperor or members of the imperial family and high officials as gifts on occasions such as birthdays and promotions.

The inscribed poem on the present sceptre can be translated as follows:

          Tribute of a full foot of fine material is sent from far away land,
          its strength and virtue radiates gently;
          may all government affairs go according to one’s wish,
          may all citizens work together for fruitful and prosperous years.

According to the signature following the poem, the present sceptre is believed to have been made in the imperial workshops as a gift from Yong Xuan (1746-1832), the eighth son of the Qianlong Emperor, to the Jiaqing Emperor in 1796, when the new Emperor ascended the throne and Yong Xuan was promoted to Prime Minister. The ruyi sceptre, as an auspicious symbol, represented the respect and loyalty of the newly appointed Prime Minister for his royal brother and new emperor.