Page 132 - Bonhams May 12 16 London

107Y Ф The meticulous carving of the present ruyi is exceptionally rare. It
A RARE ‘GUANGZHOU IMPERIAL TRIBUTE’ STAINED IVORY demonstrates the high level of craftsmanship available in the 18th
‘PEONY AND POMEGRANATE’ RUYI SCEPTRE century and distinguishes this example from many other sceptres
Qianlong carved as plants.
Exquisitely carved in relief and openwork as a gnarled tree branch
bearing auspicious lingzhi fungus and naturalistically rendered sprays The word ‘ruyi’ (如意) can be translated as ‘as you like’, which
of flowering narcissus with long leafy stems to one end, the arched symbolises the wishes of good fortune and longevity. The Qianlong
shaft entwined with subsidiary branches and gracefully curling leaves emperor highly rated ruyi sceptres as auspicious gifts, made in
stained in bright green, scattered with small blossoming peony flowers various materials including jade, wood, hardstones, lacquer and
and buds, raising to a large interweaved cluster of blooming peonies, other materials. Several ruyi are also included in the famous Guwan
flower buds and splitting pomegranates forming the ruyi head. tu painting (Pictures of Ancient Playthings) in the Victoria and Albert
35cm (13 3/4in) long Museum no.E.59-1911, which illustrates the Qing Court interest in ruyi
sceptres.
£30,000 - 50,000 CNY280,000 - 460,000
HK$330,000 - 550,000 Compare a related stained ivory ruyi sceptre, Yongzheng/Qianlong,
exhibited in the Hong Kong Museum of Art and illustrated in Splendour
清乾隆 染牙鏤雕富貴多子如意 of the Qing Dynasty, Hong Kong, 1992, pl.270. See also related
examples of ruyi sceptres in the form of gnarled leafy branches made
Provenance: a European private collection, acquired between in different materials in the Palace Museum, illustrated by E.Rawski and
1960-70, and thence by descent J.Rawson, China: The Three Emperors 1662-1795, London, 2005,
pp.366-369, nos.273 and 275. Compare also a carved openwork
來源：歐洲私人收藏，蒐於1960至1970年間，並由後人保存迄今 stained ivory ruyi sceptre, sold at Christie’s Hong Kong,
27 November 2013, lot 3351.