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Rare Japanese Edo (Mid-19thc) Buddhist ‘Lingzhi’ Nyoi (Sceptre)
Sold by Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
sold SA1116412
Sorry, but this item has been sold.
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

Sellingantiques Verified Since Oct 2021
Browse dealers 35 items
Id #SA1116412
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Rare Japanese Edo (Mid-19thc) Buddhist ‘Lingzhi’ Nyoi (Sceptre)

19th century
Sold 27 January 2025 · Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
This “Rare Japanese Edo (Mid-19thc) Buddhist ‘Lingzhi’ Nyoi (Sceptre)” found a buyer.

It was listed by Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

Description

Superb Japanese Edo (mid-19thC) Buddhist ‘lingzhi’ nyoi (ruyi in Chinese) or ceremonial sceptre, with a traditional long S-shaped handle and a head fashioned like a fist, cloud, or lingzhi mushroom. It has been worked into a root, its shape reminiscent of the lingzhi (or reishi), a fungus or dark mushroom that grows on trees in East Asia. Nyoi/ruyi are constructed from diverse materials, for example the Palace Museum in Beijing has nearly 3,000 ruyi variously made of gold, silver, iron, bamboo, wood, ivory, coral, rhinoceros horn, lacquer, crystal, jade and precious gems. 40cm long x 10.6cm wide, weight 112g.

Excellent original condition. A rare find.

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.

Date of Manufacture

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art has dated this Edo Period Nyoi Sceptre to the 19th Century.

Physical Dimensions
Height
10.6cm (4.17")
Width
40cm (15.75")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1116412
Dealers Internal Reference
AD1124
Description
Superb Japanese Edo (mid-19thC) Buddhist ‘lingzhi’ nyoi (ruyi in Chinese) or ceremonial sceptre, with a traditional long S-shaped handle and a head fashioned like a fist, cloud, or lingzhi mushroom.
“
It has been worked into a root, its shape reminiscent of the lingzhi (or reishi), a fungus or dark mushroom that grows on trees in East Asia.
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

Nyoi/ruyi are constructed from diverse materials, for example the Palace Museum in Beijing has nearly 3,000 ruyi variously made of gold, silver, iron, bamboo, wood, ivory, coral, rhinoceros horn, lacquer, crystal, jade and precious gems. 40cm long x 10.6cm wide, weight 112g.

fig 1. An antique dark brown wooden Japanese nyoi sceptre featuring an organic gnarled stem and a fungus-shaped head, displayed against a black surface.
fig 1. Rare Japanese Edo (Mid-19thc) Buddhist ‘Lingzhi’ Nyoi (Sceptre)

Excellent original condition. A rare find.

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.

Date of Manufacture

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art has dated this Edo Period Nyoi Sceptre to the 19th Century.

Height
10.6cm (4.17")
Width
40cm (15.75")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1116412
Dealers Internal Ref
AD1124
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
Sellingantiques verified Since Oct 2021
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art Profile Page

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An antique dark brown wooden Japanese nyoi sceptre featuring an organic gnarled stem and a fungus-shaped head, displayed against a black surface. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
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Archive I An antique dark brown wooden Japanese nyoi sceptre featuring an organic gnarled stem and a fungus-shaped head, displayed against a black surface. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

Rare Japanese Edo (Mid-19thc) Buddhist ‘Lingzhi’ Nyoi (Sceptre)

Archive II An antique dark brown wooden Japanese nyoi sceptre featuring an organic gnarled stem and a fungus-shaped head, displayed against a black surface. View II
Archive III An antique dark brown wooden Japanese nyoi sceptre featuring an organic gnarled stem and a fungus-shaped head, displayed against a black surface. View III
Archive IV An antique dark brown wooden Japanese nyoi sceptre featuring an organic gnarled stem and a fungus-shaped head, displayed against a black surface. View IV
Archive V An antique dark brown wooden Japanese nyoi sceptre featuring an organic gnarled stem and a fungus-shaped head, displayed against a black surface. View V
Archive VI An antique dark brown wooden Japanese nyoi sceptre featuring an organic gnarled stem and a fungus-shaped head, displayed against a black surface. View VI
Archive VII An antique dark brown wooden Japanese nyoi sceptre featuring an organic gnarled stem and a fungus-shaped head, displayed against a black surface. View VII
Archive VIII An antique dark brown wooden Japanese nyoi sceptre featuring an organic gnarled stem and a fungus-shaped head, displayed against a black surface. View VIII
Archive IX An antique dark brown wooden Japanese nyoi sceptre featuring an organic gnarled stem and a fungus-shaped head, displayed against a black surface. View IX
Enlarged Archival View
Telephone 07975 614592
Location
Bath
Somerset
United Kingdom
Verified Since Oct 2021
Items For Sale 35
Items Sold 783
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
Verified Since Oct 2021
View Dealer Info
Location: Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom
Verified
Oct 2021
For Sale
35
Sold
783
An antique dark brown wooden Japanese nyoi sceptre featuring an organic gnarled stem and a fungus-shaped head, displayed against a black surface.
Rare Japanese Edo (mid-19thC) Buddhist ‘Lingzhi’ Nyoi (Sceptre)
Ref: SA1116412
An antique dark brown wooden Japanese nyoi sceptre featuring an organic gnarled stem and a fungus-shaped head, displayed against a black surface.
Detail View 1
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Archival Detail
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Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectDecorative Artefacts
  • Period19th century
  • StyleJapanese Edo period
  • MaterialNatural hardwood burl, silk cord
  • ColourDark brown
  • MotifsLingzhi fungus head, Natural gnarled stem, Woven cord wrapping
  • SizeH 10.6 cm (4 in) x W 40 cm (16 in)

A nyoi (or ruyi in Chinese) is a traditional ceremonial sceptre originating from Buddhist traditions, symbolising authority, good fortune, and the fulfilment of wishes.

Traditional sceptres are frequently carved from natural materials such as bamboo roots, dense hardwoods, or burls, often incorporating the organic shapes of fungus like the lingzhi mushroom.

Authentication relies on examining the natural patina, tool marks, wood shrinkage, and wear patterns consistent with historical East Asian craftsmanship from the 19th century.

Positioning the object on a low-profile stand or within a minimalist display case allows the natural organic lines and historical texture to serve as a focal point.

Maintain stable indoor humidity levels between 45-55 percent and keep the item away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent timber cracking or surface degradation.
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