A RARE IMPERIAL CARVED BAMBOO-VENEER 'LOTUS' RUYI SCEPTRE QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

modelled with a golden-brown bamboo-veneer curved and subtly lobed shaft leading up to a ruyi-shaped head, the long shaft decorated in low relief with three cartouches, the central one with a stylised angular scroll border, flanked by and interlinked with two cartouches decorated with foliate borders, each cartouche enclosing undulating leafy scrolls bearing large stylised lotus blooms, the head skilfully rendered with a further large stylised lotus bloom wreathed by intertwining leafy stems, enclosed by a frame of interlinked curling leafy scrolls, the reverse of the shaft gently picked out with a small ruyi head, the end pierced with an aperture to thread a tassel

Hugh M. Moss Ltd., London, 1974.

As visible in the catalogue photo, there are expected age cracks to the surface. There is a 0.8 by 0.2 cm restored chip to the lower right section of the ruyi, as visible in the catalogue photo. Other general surface wear. 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."

This sceptre is impressive for its fine workmanship as revealed by the precise floral design on both the ruyi-shaped head and the shaft. While ruyi sceptres were made in large numbers during the reign of the Qianlong Emperor, as attested in the Guo chao gong shi, which records that the Qianlong Emperor’s mother received one hundred and eight ruyi sceptres for her sixtieth birthday, those made of bamboo veneer are relatively rare. Known as zhuhuang or bamboo-veneer, this technique involves the separation of the veneer, which is of light yellow colouration and taken from the inner wall of the bamboo stem. The veneer is then applied over a wood core, and is carved in shallow relief. As the colour of the bamboo skin is lighter than wood, the design is left in reserve against the darker background, resulting in an elegant and attractive finish.

A similar sceptre, in the Palace Museum, Beijing, was included in the exhibition China. The Three Emperors 1662-1795, Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 2005, cat. no. 368; another was included in the Min Chiu Society exhibition Auspicious Emblems. Chinese Cultural Treasures, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong, 2005, cat. no. 173; a third is published in Series of Exceptional Carvings. Selected Ming & Qing Bamboo Carvings, National Museum of History, Taipei, 2005, p. 153; and a further sceptre, from the Water, Pine and Stone Retreat collection, included in the Oriental Ceramic Society of Hong Kong exhibition Arts from the Scholar’s Studio, Fung Ping Shan Museum, Hong Kong, 1986, cat. no. 121, was sold in these rooms, 8th April 2010, lot 1728.