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Rare Chinese Antique (Mid-19thc) Large Buddhist Ceremonial Bamboo Root Ruyi (Sceptre)
Sold by Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
sold SA1154976
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 #SA1154976
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Rare Chinese Antique (Mid-19thc) Large Buddhist Ceremonial Bamboo Root Ruyi (Sceptre)

19th century
Sold 18 July 2025 · Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
This “Rare Chinese Antique (Mid-19thc) Large Buddhist Ceremonial Bamboo Root Ruyi (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 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.

Date of Manufacture

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art has dated this Chinese Bamboo Ruyi Sceptre to the 19th Century.

Physical Dimensions
Height
12cm (4.72")
Width
45cm (17.72")
Depth
10cm (3.94")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1154976
Dealers Internal Reference
AD1250
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.
fig 1. An intricately carved antique Chinese bamboo root ruyi sceptre featuring organic textures and a knotted cord attached near the base.
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. An intricately carved antique Chinese bamboo root ruyi sceptre featuring organic textures and a knotted cord attached near the base.
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.

Date of Manufacture

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art has dated this Chinese Bamboo Ruyi Sceptre to the 19th Century.

Height
12cm (4.72")
Width
45cm (17.72")
Depth
10cm (3.94")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1154976
Dealers Internal Ref
AD1250
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 intricately carved antique Chinese bamboo root ruyi sceptre featuring organic textures and a knotted cord attached near the base. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
1 / 11
Archive I An intricately carved antique Chinese bamboo root ruyi sceptre featuring organic textures and a knotted cord attached near the base. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

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

Archive II An intricately carved antique Chinese bamboo root ruyi sceptre featuring organic textures and a knotted cord attached near the base. View II
Archive III An intricately carved antique Chinese bamboo root ruyi sceptre featuring organic textures and a knotted cord attached near the base. View III
Archive IV An intricately carved antique Chinese bamboo root ruyi sceptre featuring organic textures and a knotted cord attached near the base. View IV
Archive V An intricately carved antique Chinese bamboo root ruyi sceptre featuring organic textures and a knotted cord attached near the base. View V
Archive VI An intricately carved antique Chinese bamboo root ruyi sceptre featuring organic textures and a knotted cord attached near the base. View VI
Archive VII An intricately carved antique Chinese bamboo root ruyi sceptre featuring organic textures and a knotted cord attached near the base. View VII
Archive VIII An intricately carved antique Chinese bamboo root ruyi sceptre featuring organic textures and a knotted cord attached near the base. View VIII
Archive IX An intricately carved antique Chinese bamboo root ruyi sceptre featuring organic textures and a knotted cord attached near the base. View IX
Archive X An intricately carved antique Chinese bamboo root ruyi sceptre featuring organic textures and a knotted cord attached near the base. View X
Archive XI An intricately carved antique Chinese bamboo root ruyi sceptre featuring organic textures and a knotted cord attached near the base. View XI
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 intricately carved antique Chinese bamboo root ruyi sceptre featuring organic textures and a knotted cord attached near the base.
Rare Chinese Antique (mid-19thC) Large Buddhist Ceremonial Bamboo Root Ruyi (Sceptre)
Ref: SA1154976
An intricately carved antique Chinese bamboo root ruyi sceptre featuring organic textures and a knotted cord attached near the base.
Detail View 1
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Archival Detail
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Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectCeremonial Sceptres
  • Period19th century
  • StyleChinese Traditional
  • MaterialBamboo Root
  • ColourDark Brown
  • MotifsIntricate relief carving, Organic knotwork, Scroll head, Tied cord
  • SizeH 12 cm (5 in) x W 45 cm (18 in) x D 10 cm (4 in)

A ruyi is a S-shaped ornamental object that functions as a ceremonial sceptre in Chinese Buddhism and imperial court culture, traditionally symbolizing power, good fortune, and the fulfillment of wishes.

Master artisans traditionally carved ruyi sceptres from precious materials such as jade, ivory, porcelain, and notably bamboo root, utilizing intricate relief carving techniques to exploit the natural organic shapes of the medium.

Authentic pieces exhibit natural patination, microscopic signs of age-related shrinkage and oxidisation, precise hand-carved detailing that works harmoniously with the organic nodes of the bamboo root, and absence of modern machining marks.

Displaying the sceptre horizontally on a bespoke acrylic mount upon a console table or bookshelf allows its sculptural form and rich wooden texture to serve as an organic focal point.

Preservation requires stable indoor humidity levels between forty and sixty percent, protection from direct sunlight to prevent timber drying, and periodic dusting with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth.
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