Large Pale Celadon Jade Carved Ruyi Sceptre

Jiaqing Period (1796-1820)

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Large Pale Celadon Jade Carved Ruyi Sceptre, Jiaqing Period (1796-1820)

Elegantly rendered and of impressive size and scale with ruyi shaped head carved in low relief with a basket of plump peaches raised on a cloud base with long vines and tendrils emanating towards the outer rim in a swirling pattern and together with a small bat to the top, the S-curved shaft of thick proportion and decorated with a climbing branch of peaches and a secondary, larger bat along the bottom of the rounded handle, the semi-translucent stone of a pale and even celadon colour
length 16.4" — 41.7 cm.


December 02, 2013

Estimate $30,000-$50,000

Realised: $347,500

Price Realised: $347,500

The ruyi or “wish granting” sceptre is one of the most auspicious symbols in Chinese art and during the Qing dynasty was customarily presented to the Imperial family as well as members of the upper classes on significant occasions such as birthdays, betrothals, or weddings.

Fashioned from a variety of media including wood, gold, silver, or as seen in this present example, carved from jade or other types of precious or semi-precious stone, most sceptres followed a similar form with curved handle joining a cloud or lingzhi-shaped head. These sceptres were then further embellished with auspicious symbols relevant to the occasion and recipient.

Decorated with bats and plump peaches, symbols of happiness and longevity respectively, suggests that this sceptre was possibly created in honour of a milestone birthday.


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length 17.6" — 44.8 cm.


June 13, 2016

Estimate $2,000-$3,000

Realised: $4,800

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Cloisonné Enamel Ruyi Sceptre With Lapis Lazuli and Hardstone Inlays

Decorated on a rich blue ground with elaborate entangled lotus and Eight Buddhist Emblems, or ‘Bajixiang’ motifs, inlaid lapis lazuli and other gemstones depicting a peach, pine tree, and crane. With yellow silk tassle
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Asian Art

Waddington’s Asian Art department is Canada’s leader in serving the demands of the rapidly growing Asian art market. Specializing in jade, paintings, porcelain, religious works of art, textiles, woodblock and export wares, we present works from China, Japan, Korea, South East Asia, South Asia, and the Himalayan region.

Meet the Specialist

Austin Yuen
Austin Yuen

Specialist

Asian Art

[email protected]

416-847-6195

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Amelia Zhu
Amelia Zhu

Senior Specialist / Business Development

Asian Art

[email protected]

416-847-6185

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