A Rare Jadeite-Inset Kingfisher Feather-Embellished Gilt-Metal Ruyi Scepter. Late Qing Dynasty. photo Christie's Ltd 2011

The head, center section and tip inset with jadeite plaques carved in relief with various scenes incorporating a qilin, phoenix and lion, set into the gilt-metal filagree shaft inlaid in kingfisher feather, the tip set with an orange silk tassle; 22½ in. (57.2 cm.) long, cloth stand, display case. Estimate $40,000 - $60,000. Price Realized $302,500

Provenance: Acquired prior to World War II and thence by descent within the family.

Notes: The present jadeite-inset filagree ruyi scepter appears to be part of a group of similar scepters produced for the Qing Court during the 19th century. A larger (55 cm.) jadeite-inset filagree metal ruyi scepter in the collection of the Palace Museum, Taiwan, was included in the exhibition, Auspicious Ju-I Scepters of China, Taipei, 1995, p. 131, no. 58. Two further similar jadeite-inset ruyi scepters, although in gilt metal as opposed to the filagree seen on the present scepter were included in the same exhibition, pp. 132-33, nos. 59-60.

Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art Part I & II,  15 - 16 September 2011. New York, Rockefeller Plaza. www.christies.com