Ruyi sceptre

China, 18th century, Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

Gilt copper decorated with cloisonné and carved nephrite jade.

L: 43 cm

O 166

Purchased from Sänger of Hamburg.

The shape of the head on this decorative ruyi sceptre (an object symbolising good fortune; ruyi can be translated as “as you wish”) resembles the mushroom of immortality (lingzhi).