Chinese and Japanese Works of Art in the Collection of Her Majesty The Queen
This publication highlights some of the most important examples of eastern arts now in the western world
CHINA [ASIA]
Ruyi sceptre
18th centuryNephrite jade, silk | 34.0 x 10.0 x 2.7 cm (excluding fittings) | RCIN 23692
The ruyi sceptre with undulating shaft and turned-over head. The shaft carved in relief with a lingzhi spray, and the head with a bat; the bottom pierced for attaching the yellow silk tassel, with a spray of lily, the bloom hollowed to hold a gemstone, and a fruit spray.
The ruyi sceptre with head in the form of the sacred lingzhi fungus was a time-honoured symbol of authority; for examples made in other materials in the Collection- see in carved red lacquer (RCIN 10805) and cloisonné enamel (RCIN 11701).
Text adapted from Chinese and Japanese Works of Art in the Collection of Her Majesty The Queen: Volume III.
Creator(s)
China [Asia] (place of production)
Chinese (nationality)
34.0 x 10.0 x 2.7 cm (excluding fittings)
64.8 x 10.0 x 2.7 cm (loop, tassel etc extended)
