A RARE CARVED REALGAR RUYI SCEPTRE QING DYNASTY, 18TH / 19TH CENTURY

formed from variously cut pieces of realgar veneered on an iron core,
the lobed ruyi head of quatrefoil section, carved in low relief on the raised centre with a shou medallion encircled by five confronting bats, within a key-fret border repeated around the edges and on the sides of the arched shaft, the later further carved in the centre with a quatrefoil lobed panel showing a second shou character, the bottom terminal fashioned with an upright bat under a further shou symbol, all reserved on an incised wan diaper-pattern ground, the stone of warm reddish-orange colour highlighted with russet oxide

The Water, Pine and Stone Retreat Collection.
Christie's New York, 19th September 2007, lot 27.

Please note that this material is highly toxic and gloves must be worn when handling this object. The realgar material rubs off easily onto other materials. The overall condition is quite good with the front side a bit more powdery. Some of the carving on the front has been slightly worn away. The underside retains very bright red colour and the carving is in good 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."

Found in the southern provinces of China, realgar was believed to contain the essence of gold and, possibly for this reason, became a source of fascination despite its poisonous qualities. It is believed that realgar was mixed with drugs used by Daoists in the quest for the elixir of immortality; thus the stone grew in popularity to the extent that despite its highly toxic nature and challenging soft crumbly texture it was used for the carving of auspicious objects or Daoist figures. For example a realgar sculpture of the Immortal He Xian Gu, in the British Museum, London, is illustrated in R. Soame Jenyns, Chinese Art. The Minor Arts II, London, 1965, pl. 200.

Objects carved from realgar are rare and the present ruyi appears to be the only known example made in this material. The craftsman found here a perfect association of material, object, and decorative patterns which all pertain to longevity. It is also noticeable for its size for objects made in realgar are generally carved from smaller single pieces of mineral.