AN EMBELLISHED GILT-BRONZE RUYI SCEPTRE QING DYNASTY, 19TH CENTURY

the head with a variegated green jade plaque of five bats encircling wan and shou characters, the shaft cast with a peach branch, with the leaves highlighted with kingfisher feathers and the fruits inlaid with stones of various colours, such as red tourmaline, lapis lazuli and malachite

The sceptre is generally in good condition. The jadeite plaque inset in the ruyi head has a diagonal crack running from the upper right corner to the centre of the lower edge. Some of the hardstone inlays along the shaft are likely to be later replacements. However, they are all in place. Some of the hardstone embellishments surrounding the ruyi head, however, are now missing. The jadeite plaque inset in the ruyi head has a diagonal crack running from the upper right corner to the centre of the lower edge. The kingfisher feathers fragments applied to leaves providing the turquoise colouring are rubbed and missing on some leaves as visible in the photo but overall the sceptre remains in a good presentation state.
"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."