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...