AN IMPRESSIVE CELADON JADE-INLAID ZITAN 'DRAGON' RUYI SCEPTRE QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

the head, the mid-shaft and the terminal each inset with a celadon jade plaque, depicting a ferocious en face dragon, a sinuous chilong and a smaller coiled chilong respectively, the zitan frame carved in low relief with floral scrolls, the edges bordered with key-fret bands, the terminus pierced with an aperture to thread a tassel

Good overall condition, with just typical surface wear. The jade plaques have been strengthened to stay stable.
"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."

The ruyi (literally meaning ‘as you wish’) sceptre is a talisman presented to bestow good fortune. Believed to have originated from the end of the Warring States Period to the beginning of the Western Han dynasty, it was later adapted by Daoists who introduced the heart-shaped head rendered as a lingzhi, the fungus of immortality, to express well-wishing. It was during the Yongzheng (r. 1723-35) reign that the auspicious tradition of the ruyi sceptre was revived, and reached unprecedented demand under the Qianlong (r. 1736-95) Emperor, who was so fond of such objects. Its auspicious nature was subsequently complemented with the choice of material and high level of craftsmanship and often presented at imperial birthdays and New Year celebrations. The present sceptre is striking for the combination of materials which have been skilfully executed resulting in a harmonious composition. The jade inlaid on the ruyi head has been elaborately carved with a ferocious five-clawed dragon, while two playful chilong, rendered in different postures, adorn the jade plaques inset on the centre and end of the shaft. Together with the naturalistically rendered floral scrolls that decorate the zitan shaft, this piece boasts the power, abundance and creativity of the Qianlong reign.

Zitan sceptres embellished with jade insets were an innovation of the Qianlong period, and it is rare to find examples that incorporate dragons into the decorative scheme. Compare zitan and jade sceptres of this type, but with variations in decorations, such as one, bearing the signature of Wang Jie, the white jade plaques carved with cranes surrounded by peaches, and the shaft rendered with cranes and deer amidst pine tree, rocks and other vegetation, sold in our New York rooms, 19th/20th March 2013, lot 422; and another, the jade carved with peach, pomegranate and citrons respectively, sold in these rooms, 27th April 2003, lot 8.