Lot 1418. A zitan ruyi scepter, 19th century; 14¾ in. (37.4 cm.) long. Estimate USD 15,000 - USD 20,000. Price realised USD 15,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2011.

The shaft finely carved in openwork as a long, gnarled, leafy branch laden with peaches and with lingzhi growing from amidst rockwork at one end, the other curving to form the reticulated head carved with two Buddha's hand citrons borne on a network of leafy, intertwined branches, box. 

Provenance: Acquired in Shanghai in the 1970ss.

Note: The combination of Buddha's hand citrons, peaches and lingzhi symbolize the sanduo, 'Three Abundances'. The Chinese name for the Buddha's hand citron is foshou, which sounds like fushou meaning 'blessings and longevity'. This alone represents two of the three abundances. The peaches also represent longevity, and the third abundance, which is an abundance of sons, is represented by the lingzhi, which sounds like lingzi, 'intelligent son'. This scepter full of auspicious meanings would have been an ideal gift for a young couple.

Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art Part I and Part II Including Property from the Arthur M. Sackler Collections, New York, 24 March 2011