Page 66 - Chinese Art From The Scholars Studio, 2015, J.J. Lally, New York

37. A r o o t W o o d R u Y i s C e p t e r
18th Century

the natural root of gnarled and twisted form carefully pruned, carved and polished to create a ruyi
scepter with a curling head in the form of a lingzhi fungus.

Length 13 inches (33 cm)
The ruyi scepter is a symbolic object of obscure ancient origin which enjoyed renewed popularity in the late Ming and Qing
dynasties. The term ruyi means “as you wish”, and by association also refers to the lingzhi fungus which was said to have the
power to enhance longevity. Among the literati, ruyi scepters made of rustic materials symbolized the scholar’s desire to retreat
into nature, away from the distractions and politics of government bureaucracy.

十八世紀 樹根隨形如意 長 33 厘米