Lot 709
A WHITE JADE 'EIGHT IMMORTALS AND PHOENIX' RUYI SCEPTRE
18th Century
L: 34 cm
Estimate
TWD 380,000-600,000
HKD 104,000-163,000
USD 13,300-21,000
CNY 88,000-139,000
Sold Price
TWD 456,000
HKD 126,667
USD 16,286
CNY 105,312
+ OVERVIEW
Ruyi scepter has debated opinions regarding its original use. In the Qing dynasty, it was regarded as a possession of blessings. Commissioning a carved piece for oneself or as gifts would have been common among the nobles at the time. Meticulously carved scepters were regarded as a family heritage and a symbol of power.
This white jade scepter was delicately carved on a fine quality white jade, demonstrating excellent craftsmanship. On one end, the garden of the Queen Mother of the West was carved as a setting. Peaches, a phoenix, a crane, Shou Gong and the Queen Mother of the West were carved to symbolize longevity. Eight immortals, each with their own spiritual objects, were lightly carved on the handle. Bats scattered at the back of the handle, while clouds meanders throughout the whole scepter. Such representation symbolizes longevity and blessings. As a society prosper, art pieces made would be extravagant. This white jade scepter was made with outstanding craftsmanship and marvelous material, making this an exceptional artpiece of a belle epoque.
Such practice would be common also among the nobles of the 18th century. Through the depiction of the Eight Immortals and the Queen Mother of the West, one could have guessed the emphasis on health and longevity among societies at the time. Furthermore, such extravagantly carved objects would have been an outstanding centerpiece among the other furniture.
This white jade scepter was delicately carved on a fine quality white jade, demonstrating excellent craftsmanship. On one end, the garden of the Queen Mother of the West was carved as a setting. Peaches, a phoenix, a crane, Shou Gong and the Queen Mother of the West were carved to symbolize longevity. Eight immortals, each with their own spiritual objects, were lightly carved on the handle. Bats scattered at the back of the handle, while clouds meanders throughout the whole scepter. Such representation symbolizes longevity and blessings. As a society prosper, art pieces made would be extravagant. This white jade scepter was made with outstanding craftsmanship and marvelous material, making this an exceptional artpiece of a belle epoque.
Such practice would be common also among the nobles of the 18th century. Through the depiction of the Eight Immortals and the Queen Mother of the West, one could have guessed the emphasis on health and longevity among societies at the time. Furthermore, such extravagantly carved objects would have been an outstanding centerpiece among the other furniture.
Related Info
Refined Brushwork: Fine Chinese Paintings and Works of Art
Ravenel Spring Auction 2021 Taipei
Saturday, July 17, 2021, 1:30pm