Page 70 - Irving Collection Part II Chinese Art

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L A C Q U E R • J A D E • B R O N Z E • I N K T H E R V I N G C O L L E C T I O N 髹金飾玉 - 歐雲伉儷珍藏

1117 A PAIR OF LARGE PALE GREENISH GREY JADE RUYI SCEPTERS
CHINA, QING DYNASTY, 18TH-19TH CENTURY

The handles carved in mirror image with a blossoming prunus branch and
a bat grasping wannianqiang (rhodea japonica), a pun for “ten thousand
years”, in its mouth, and the ruyi-form heads carved with a phoenix perched
on a lingzhi below a fruiting peach tree
18 in. (45.8 cm.) long
$100,000-150,000 (2)

PROVENANCE
Spink & Son, Ltd., London, 1985.
The Irving Collection, no. 444.

It is rare to fnd two ruyi scepters carved as a pair in mirror image. Each
of these scepters displays multiple auspicious motifs, including prunus
branches representing a wish for the Five Blessings, wufu - longevity,
wealth, health, love of virtue and a peaceful death. The phoenix and
fruiting peach tree seen on the wish-granting, ruyi-form heads symbolize
peace, prosperity and longevity. A pair of phoenixes is associated with
a wish for a harmonious marriage, suggesting that the present pair of
scepters could be intended as a wedding gift when displayed together.
清十八/十九世紀 青白玉如意一對

68 P A R T I I