Rare Chinese Antique (Mid-19thc) Large Buddhist Ceremonial Bamboo Root Ruyi (Sceptre)

Name: Rare Chinese Antique (Mid-19thc) Large Buddhist Ceremonial Bamboo Root Ruyi (Sceptre)
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1154976
Availability: SoldOut

19th century

Sold by Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

Description

Superb Chinese antique (mid-19thC) Buddhist ceremonial gnarled bamboo root ruyi (sceptre), intricately carved with ganoderma lucidum (fungi) and a pair of foo dogs (stylised lions), it’s head is fashioned like a fist, cloud, or lingzhi (ling chih) mushroom or fungi. A classic example of the Chinese scholar's love of natural forms. Ca. 45cm long x 10cm deep x 12cm high, weight 450g.

Excellent original condition with lovely patina. A rare and beautiful large ruyi.

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

12cm (4.72")

Width

45cm (17.72")

Depth

10cm (3.94")

Declaration

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

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1154976

Dealers Internal Reference

AD1250

Description

fig 1. Rare Chinese Antique (mid-19thC) Large Buddhist Ceremonial Bamboo Root Ruyi (Sceptre) — fig 1. Rare Chinese Antique (Mid-19thc) Large Buddhist Ceremonial Bamboo Root Ruyi (Sceptre)

Excellent original condition with lovely patina. A rare and beautiful large ruyi.

“

The Lingzhi fungus has been used in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine for centuries to promote health and longevity.

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

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. Rare Chinese Antique (mid-19thC) Large Buddhist Ceremonial Bamboo Root Ruyi (Sceptre) — fig 2. Rare Chinese Antique (Mid-19thc) Large Buddhist Ceremonial Bamboo Root 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.