A RARE AND EXCEPTIONAL INSCRIBED GOLD AND SILVER-INLAID COPPER 'ELEPHANT' RUYI SCEPTRE 17TH CENTURY |

well cast with an elephant-head terminal, the animal with long slit eyes and a curled trunk between protruding tusks, set with an elaborate bridle suspending beaded tassels and further embellished with semiprecious cabochon, the curved shaft intricately inlaid in gold and silver with interlocking archaistic dragon and ruyi scrolls, the opposite end terminating with a ruyi head set with a semiprecious cabochon and pierced with an aperture suspending a dragon bead and silk tassel, the reverse inscribed with eight characters reading de cui Qianqing, zhaozhao chengxiang ('the brightness of the virtues gathered at the Palace of Heavenly Purity is discernible')

The ruyi sceptre is in overall good condition with the inlays well preserved. As visible in the catalogue photo, there are tiny dents and bruises and rubbing to the gilding.
"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 present elephant-head ruyi sceptre is unusual for its elegant shape, intricate inlays and inscription, which suggests a link to the Palace of Heavenly Purity in the Forbidden City. An imperial poem about the Palace by the Qianlong Emperor starts with phrases similar to the present inscription, praising various virtues and their brightness; see Guochao gongshi [Court History], juan 12, p. 6. See a slightly longer gilt-bronze elephant-head sceptre from the collection of Robert H. Blumenfield, but without inlays, dated to the 17th to 18th century and sold at Christie's New York, 22nd March 2012, lot 1232.