Page 28 - Bonhams Chinese Paintings June 2015
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Two carved coral ruyi scepters
Late Qing dynasty
Similarly designed, each shaft carved as a long, gnarled, leafy branch issuing derivative sprigs
bearing pomegranates, peaches and Buddha’s hand citrons, the upper section attached with
a pieced branch supporting a large rounded head carved in relief and some openwork with
further leafy peaches and one bat with stretching wings.
13 1/4 and 13 1/2in (33.7 and 34.3cm) long
$40,000 - 60,000
Provenance
acquired in 1966 as per acquisition number 1966.2286.6.1-2
The design of the three fruits together, pomegranate, peaches, and Buddha’s hand citron
invokes sanduo (the three abundances) in Chinese art. They represent the main wishes for
an ideal life: an abundance of descendants (achieved by having many sons), longevity, and
good fortune.
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