A carved zitan ruyi sceptre Qing Dynasty, 18th century

well carved, in naturalistic high relief and openwork with a lingzhi head, attached to a slender shaft modelled in the form of a gnarled stem intertwined with attendant fungus and terminating with a lingzhi tip, the wood of rich brown patina

Good overall condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Impressive for its naturalistic carving as a gnarled stem, this elegant sceptre is rare for its large size. Technically, the sceptre is finished to appear as if just found in the forest and it is only upon closer observation that the carver's skilful hand in recreating a long gnarled stalk is apparent. It was during Qianlong's reign that the number and opulence of ruyi sceptres increased when he officially ordered the court to present them at imperial birthdays and New Year celebrations. For examples of naturalistic wood sceptre see two illustrated in Masterpieces of Chinese Ju-I Sceptres in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, 1974, pls 22-23, both made of birch; and a boxwood example from the Water, Pine and Stone Retreat collection, with a Yongzheng reign mark and of the period, sold in these rooms, 8^th April 2010, lot 1708.   

This sceptre is made from the precious and highly esteemed zitan, a timber available to the master craftsmen in the Muzuo (Wood Workshop) belonging to the Zaobanchu (Imperial Palace Workshop). With its jade-like silky texture, extremely fine and dense grain, and subtle and deep lustre, zitan was the favoured timber of the Ming and Qing courts. For further examples of ruyi sceptres made of zitan, see one carved as a pine branch sold in these rooms, 2^nd May 2005, lot 659; and another carved in openwork with a crane and peach tree also sold in these rooms, 17^th May 1989, lot 350.