A WHITE JADE RUYI SCEPTRE QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG – JIAQING PERIOD |

the ruyi-shaped terminal finely worked in low relief with a scene depicting two bats soaring above two lingzhi blooms and a narcissus flower, all rendered surrounded by lush foliage, further decorated with a beribboned musical chime (qing), the centre of the elongated curved shaft worked with a cluster of Chinese evergreen berries borne on a gnarled leafy stem, above further lingzhi blooms at the end of the shaft, the stone of a white colour

The ruyi sceptre is in extremely good condition. There are very few expected insignificant bruises and nibbling to the edges, including an approx. 0.2 cm flake to the reverse of the shaft. An approx. 0.6 cm section to the reverse of the ruyi terminal has possibly been very lightly polished to conceal an earlier nibbling/original flaw.
"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 slightly larger sceptre carved with a related auspicious motif, but the shaft undecorated, sold in our New York rooms, 26th February 1982, lot 423; and another example sold in these rooms, 4th November 1997, lot 1337, and again at Christie’s New York, 24th March 2004, lot 54. See also a sceptre similarly carved on the shaft with wannianqing (Chinese evergreen) and lingzhi, from the collection of W.D. Ridgeway, sold in our London rooms, 29th November 1977, lot 269.