Lot 280. A fine and rare jade ruyi sceptre with bat and clouds with flower motifs, Qianlong period (1736-1795). L. 42,7 cm. Estimate 40.000/60.000 €. Lot sold 140.000 €. Courtesy Nagel

Very few tiny chips, good condition.

Provenance: Property from an important European private collection, by repute assembeld in the 1920s from an old English private collector.

Note: Ruyi scepter is a talisman presented to bestow good fortune. Ruyi in Chinese means 'as you wish'. Its long history dates back to pre-Tang (618-907) times, with its origins connected with Buddhism when it was used as a back-scratcher. It is often seen held by holy figures such as Manjusri, the Buddha of Wisdom. Its shape changed during the latter half of the Tang period when there was a decline in Buddhism. Sceptres became closely associated with Daoism and from that time onwards, the heart-shaped head was often rendered as a longevity fungus (lingzhi). Sceptres also became highly ornamental, lost their practical function and took on any shape that was considered suitable for its use as a secular good luck charm. During the Qing dynasty scepters became imperial objects. Its auspicious nature combined with the choice of material and high level of craftsmanship made scepters the perfect imperial gifts. They were bestowed by the emperor to worthy officers and loyal subjects. Both the Yongzheng and the Qianlong emperors had themselves painted holding ruyi scepters, but the Qianlong emperor was particularly fond of them and owned an extensive collection.