Ruyi sceptre

Historical period(s)
Qing dynasty, Qianlong reign, Qianlong reign, 1736-1796
Medium
Gold, turquoise, silk
Dimensions
H x W x D: 24.4 x 6 x 4.3 cm (9 5/8 x 2 3/8 x 1 11/16 in)
Geography
China
Credit Line
Purchase — Charles Lang Freer Endowment
Collection
Freer Gallery of Art Collection
Accession Number
F1937.45
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Metalwork
Type

Scepter

Keywords
bat, Buddhism, China, Daoism, peach, Qianlong reign (1736 - 1796), Qing dynasty (1644 - 1911)
Provenance
Provenance research underway.
Label

This ruyi scepter was presented to the Qianlong emperor (reigned 1736-96) in 1783. The word ruyi literally means "as you wish," and decorative scepters such as this symbolized good wishes. The head of this scepter is decorated with ornaments of turquoise: both bats and peaches are emblems of good fortune and immortality in Chinese lore.

Published References
  • Smithsonian Institution. Report of the Secretary, 1938. Washington, 1938-1939. pl. 1.
  • Dr. John Alexander Pope, Thomas Lawton, Harold P. Stern. The Freer Gallery of Art. 2 vols., Washington and Tokyo, 1971-1972. cat. 109, vol. 1: p. 176.
  • Dr. Berthold Laufer, Parish-Watson Company. The Gold Treasure of the Emperor Chien Lung of China. Chicago and New York. cat. 8, pp. 25, 27.
  • Masterpieces of Chinese and Japanese Art: Freer Gallery of Art handbook. Washington, 1976. p. 27.
  • Roger Soame Jenyns, William Watson. Chinese Art, The Minor Arts: Gold, Silver, Bronze, Cloisonne, Cantonese enamel, Lacquer, Furniture, Wood. The Universe Library of Antique Art vol. 2 New York. p. 43.
  • Joe Dan Lowry, Joe P. Lowry. Turquoise: The World Story of a Fascinating Gemstone. Layton, Utah. p. 56.
Collection Area(s)
Chinese Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
SI Usage Statement

Usage Conditions Apply

There are restrictions for re-using this image. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page.

The information presented on this website may be revised and updated at any time as ongoing research progresses or as otherwise warranted. Pending any such revisions and updates, information on this site may be incomplete or inaccurate or may contain typographical errors. Neither the Smithsonian nor its regents, officers, employees, or agents make any representations about the accuracy, reliability, completeness, or timeliness of the information on the site. Use this site and the information provided on it subject to your own judgment. The Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery welcome information that would augment or clarify the ownership history of objects in their collections.

citation | Save this image How to download an image | Request Permission | Terms of Use