The sceptre elegantly carved and decorated with the eight immortals in different materials. Length 47 cm.
Repaired by neck. One tazzle loose.
Borås Konstmuseum. "Mittens Rike". 1985.
Borås Konstmuseum. "Mittens Rike". En unik exposé av 4000 års konst och konsthantverk från Kina. Page 176. Lot no 685 A.
These ruyi sceptres can be traced back over 1,000 years to ancient Chinese Buddhism when deities were often depicted holding simple back scratchers.
‘Ruyi’ literally means 'as you wish' and was a token of good fortune.
Over the centuries these became stylised good luck charms and Emperor Qianlong officially called upon courtiers to present them on Imperial birthdays and at New Year.