Coral ruyi sceptre
18th century
Length: 27 cm
The ruyi sceptre developed from obscure origins into a symbol of auspiciousness and authority. For the Confucian scholar, it would represent hierarchy and status, while for the Daoist, it would symbolise detachment from mundane affairs. This 18th century ruyi sceptre is decorated with carved swirling designs of lingzhi fungus. From its base extends a tassel, and in the middle of the head is a circular seal.
Similar Examples
A similar jade ruyi sceptre can be seen in the collections of the Victoria and Albert Museum, http://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O101179/ruyi-sceptre-unknown/. A zitan ruyi sceptre from the Kangxi period with a similar lingzhi cloud design can be seen in Tsang and Moss, Arts from the Scholar’s Studio, The Oriental Ceramic Society of Hong Kong, 1986, Figure 270. A similar 18th century coral ruyi sceptre can be seen in Jessica Rawson, China: The Three Emperors 1662-1795, catalogue no. 281
