Ruyi scepter

19th century

Scepters were ceremonial objects and marks of elegance from the late 16th century onwards. Ming period ruyi were often made of wood, naturalistically carved to resemble the lingzhi, a type of fungus believed capable of conferring immortality (see the root scepter in this gallery). Qing emperors had jade and ivory ruyi scepters made as favors for officials. This example has auspicious clouds and bats (conferring blessings) and, given the miniature size, may be decorative in function.

Nephrite

14 1/2 x 2 x 1 1/8 in. (36.83 x 5.08 x 2.86 cm)

Eugene Fuller Memorial Collection

33.1263

Not currently on view

Resources

Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, Pure Amusements: Wealth, Leisure, and Culture in Late Imperial China, Dec. 24, 2016 - May 15, 2022.

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