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Unknown Maker, Chinese

Ruyi scepter (如意)

Now On View

Maker

Culture

Chinese

Title

Ruyi scepter (如意)

Year

1800s

Medium

Wood and jade

Materials/Techniques

Techniques

Wood and jade

Materials

wood, jade

Geography

Origin: China

Dimensions

57.5 cm (22 5/8 inches) (height)

Signature / Inscription / Marks

Inscription: 御製
八埏萃慶承天佑
一意持盈慎己思
臣劉秉恬敬書
Translation: By Imperial Order

From all directions the bushes rejoice because of the blessing of god (referring to the emperor)
I am determined to be modest in high place and of alert on my own thoughts

Minister Liu Bingtian notes with respect.

Transcribed and translated by Yuheng He (RISD BFA Industrial Design 2022)

Credit / Object Number

Credit

Bequest of Martha B. Lisle

Object Number

67.421

Type

Woodwork

Exhibition History

Asian Art Galleries

Jun 10, 2014

Label copy

With an S-shaped handle and a
cloud-like head resembling a lingzhi mushroom, decorative scepters like
this one symbolized longevity and fortune. Associated from ancient times with
Buddhist and Daoist monks, such scepters also carried great significance in
court ceremonies and imperial rituals. According to the inscription on the
back, this wooden example—intricately carved with figures of Immortals and
inlaid with jade—was given to a court official by the Qianlong emperor.

Chinese Treasures from the Permanent Collection

Mar 03, 1989 – Apr 23, 1989

Image use

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This object is in the Public Domain and available under a CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication

Tombstone

Unknown Maker, Chinese

Ruyi scepter (如意), 1800s

Wood and jade

57.5 cm (22 5/8 inches) (height)

Bequest of Martha B. Lisle 67.421

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