Ruyi (Wish Granting Sceptre)

22.1366

Ruyi (Wish Granting Sceptre)

22.1366

Description

Ruyi means ‘as you wish’. During the Qing dynasty (1644-1912), many such wish-granting sceptres were made as presents for the emperors, empresses, and for courtiers of high rank. They were presented on special occasions such as birthdays and weddings.

Although the sceptres that are in the shape of a sacred fungus (lingzhi) symbolizing immortality are themselves auspicious objects, the Chinese further embellished them with auspicious symbols and motifs of blessings. By decoding the symbols on the sceptre, one could understand the occasion for which it was made. The Ruyi was created in many mediums such as cast gold or silver, semi-precious stones like jade and nephrite, wood and lacquer.

This sceptre has a landscape with Shoulao, the God of longevity with an attendant. He is holding a branch of a peach tree symbolising longevity. The handle is carved with the fungus of immortality, peach tree, bamboo, and narcissus representing the phrase “the heavenly immortals bring birthday greetings”. The sceptre has yellow tassels which show that it came originally from the Qing Palace where yellow is the imperial colour. It is encased in a beautiful wooden box.

Sir Ratan Tata Art Collection

Collection

Chinese Art

Object Type

Decorative Art

Material

Nephrite

Schools/Culture/Period

Qing dynasty

Technique

Jade carving

Date

18th century CE

Location

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Dimension

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