Ruyi sceptre second half of eighteenth century
Red lacquer | 43.0 x 5.6 x 4.5 cm (whole object) | RCIN 10805
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A sceptre of bowed ruyi form; the bottom of the shaft with a squared plaque carved with a bat and a beribboned pendant; the centre with a rectangular plaque with a vase containing prunus, peony and lotus, with a pair of small birds, a ruyi sceptre and a rhinoceros horn; and on the shaft between the Eight Buddhist Emblems, with geometric scrollwork below the head, a lobed oval panel depicting a crane among rocks, chrysanthemum and peony, its underside carved with sprays of peach, iris and lingzhi. The undersides of the other plaques carved with a peach tree with a bat, and a lotus spray; the surfaces between carved with swastika diaper. Attached to the bottom, a double tassel of orange silk with a woven knot.
Text adapted from Chinese and Japanese Works of Art in the Collection of Her Majesty The Queen: Volume III.
Provenance
Formerly at the Royal Pavilion, Brighton, where it was described as ‘A red Japan Sceptre or mace carved in various flowers birds &c double silk tassels at the end (one ft five inches [43.2 cm])’, and sent to Kensington Palace in June 1848 (1829A, p. 46).
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Creator(s)
(place of production)(nationality) -
Medium and techniques
Red lacquer
Measurements
43.0 x 5.6 x 4.5 cm (whole object)
Category
Place of Production
China