Lot 134. Sceptre ruyi en laque rouge, vert et ocre, Chine, dynastie Qing, époque Qianlong (1736-1795). Estimation €15,000 – €20,000 ($16,927 - $22,570). Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2016 

The sceptre is finely carved through three layers of lacquer of cinnabar red, dark green and ochre tone. The ruyi-shaped head depicts the Daoist Immortal, He Xiangu, holding a lotus spray over her shoulder set within a landscape. The arched shaft has a shaped panel enclosing a bat in flight, suspending from its mouth a beaded chain attached to awan symbol and to a musical chime, all against a diaper ground. The reverse is carved with an elaborate floral pattern. 15 3/8 in. (39 cm.) long.

Provenance: From a French private collection.

A THREE-COLOUR LACQUER RUYI 'IMMORTAL' SCEPTRE, CHINA, QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD (1736-1795)

Note: The term ruyi means 'as you wish' and was among the auspicious gifts most prized by the Qianlong Emperor. It was believed that this fungus-shaped sceptre would bring good fortune to its owner. Sceptres of this type were presented as gifts on the occasion of a birthday of a member of the imperial family . 

Christie's. ART D'ASIE, 21 - 22 June 2016, Paris