清 紫檀嵌寶如意

naturalistically carved in high relief as a lingzhi root, inlaid to the shaft with six hardstone ruyi heads including quartz, lapis lazuli, agate, turquoise and malachite, the ruyi head terminal inlaid with a reddish soapstone, the wood of dark chocolate-brown tone, wood box

遠東私人收藏

Please note that this wood is in fact zitan. This sceptre is in 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."

A similar inlaid sceptre in the Palace Museum, Beijing, attributed to the mid-Qing Dynasty, is illustrated in The Palace Museum Collection of Elite Carvings, Beijing, 2002, pl. 109.