103 - EXCEPTIONAL RUYI, QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

EXCEPTIONAL RUYI, QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY Auspicious scepter adorned with a mushroom of immortality A single-piece rootwood staff, likely sandalwood or bamboo root, entirely carved with a rich, swirling design of clouds, dragons, and mythical creatures in high relief, executed with remarkable virtuosity. The shaft is adorned along its entire length with figures, Buddhist lions, playful children (Chinese putti), and dragons intertwined with clouds and scrollwork in a continuous, fluid movement. Beautiful honey-gold patina of the wood. Qing Dynasty (1644–1911) Dimensions: 41 x 9.5 cm Provenance: Carlo Zanon (1889, Schio, Italy – 1972, Monaco), then Jean-Eugène Guillaud, Monaco. The ruyi is one of the most symbolic and precious objects in imperial Chinese culture. During the reign of Qianlong, one of the most important Chinese emperors, ruyi carved from burl wood reached an unparalleled level of sophistication and refinement. They were presented during major imperial ceremonies as symbols of good fortune and longevity. A similar example carved from rosewood is housed at the Guimet Museum in Paris, INV. MG13711.