A WHITE JADE 'PEACH AND PEONY' RUYI SCEPTRE QING DYNASTY, 18TH – 19TH CENTURY |

the ruyi-shaped terminal worked with a raised border enclosing peony sprays and a butterfly, the arched shaft carved in high relief with a gnarled branch issuing peaches, the shaft edge pierced with apertures to thread a tassel, the smoothly polished stone of an even white colour

The sceptre is in very good condition, with only insignificant minute nibbling along the extremities.
"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."

Compare a white jade ruyi, similarly carved with a fruiting peach branch and inscribed with a Qianlong poem, sold in our Paris rooms, 22nd June 2017, lot 12. See also a slightly longer celadon jade example with a peach tree and a prunus branch, sold twice in our New York rooms, 19th September 2001, lot 70, and again, from the collection of Ann and Gordon Getty, 21st March 2018, lot 646.