Chinese Antique (Mid-19thc) Buddhist Ruyi (Sceptre)

Name: Chinese Antique (Mid-19thc) Buddhist Ruyi (Sceptre)
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1152044
Availability: SoldOut

19th century

Sold by Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

Description

Chinese antique (mid-19thC) Buddhist ceremonial ruyi (sceptre) with a traditional long gnarled handle and a head fashioned like a fist, cloud, or lingzhi mushroom. Carved from boxwood in imitation of rootwood, with ruyi heads, it’s a classic example of the Chinese scholar's love of natural forms. 32.5cm x 8.5cm x 6cm.

Excellent original condition with nice patina.

The Lingzhi fungus has been used in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine for centuries to promote health and longevity. It's also known as the ‘mushroom of immortality’ and is believed to treat the heart, reduce stress and inflammation, and bring good luck. It’s extremely rare in its natural form, with only two or three out of 10,000 aged trees having lingzhi growth.

The form of scepter called ruyi (meaning ‘as desired’ or ‘as you wish’) is an ancient auspicious symbol that became the mark of a cultivated gentleman. It may have originated as a weapon or as a Buddhist implement, but old paintings often depict scholars holding ruyi scepters while engaged in conversation. By the Ming period those done in organic taste like this one were common literati accoutrements and they were often given as gifts.

Physical Dimensions

Height

6cm (2.36")

Width

32.5cm (12.80")

Depth

8.5cm (3.35")

Declaration

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art has dated this piece to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1152044

Dealers Internal Reference

AD1258

Description

Chinese antique (mid-19thC) Buddhist ceremonial ruyi (sceptre) with a traditional long gnarled handle and a head fashioned like a fist, cloud, or lingzhi mushroom.

“

Carved from boxwood in imitation of rootwood, with ruyi heads, it’s a classic example of the Chinese scholar's love of natural forms.

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

32.5cm x 8.5cm x 6cm.

fig 1. Chinese Antique (mid-19thC) Buddhist Ruyi (Sceptre) — fig 1. Chinese Antique (Mid-19thc) Buddhist Ruyi (Sceptre)

Excellent original condition with nice patina.

The Lingzhi fungus has been used in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine for centuries to promote health and longevity. It's also known as the ‘mushroom of immortality’ and is believed to treat the heart, reduce stress and inflammation, and bring good luck. It’s extremely rare in its natural form, with only two or three out of 10,000 aged trees having lingzhi growth.

fig 2. Chinese Antique (mid-19thC) Buddhist Ruyi (Sceptre) — fig 2. Chinese Antique (Mid-19thc) Buddhist Ruyi (Sceptre)

The form of scepter called ruyi (meaning ‘as desired’ or ‘as you wish’) is an ancient auspicious symbol that became the mark of a cultivated gentleman. It may have originated as a weapon or as a Buddhist implement, but old paintings often depict scholars holding ruyi scepters while engaged in conversation. By the Ming period those done in organic taste like this one were common literati accoutrements and they were often given as gifts.