Scholar with a Lingzhi-style Ruyi Scepter
Artist
Chinese
Date18th century, Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)
Mediumpale green nephrite
Dimensions17.8 cm (7 in.)
ClassificationsJades
Credit LineBequest of Mrs. Harry W. Goddard, in memory of Harry W. Goddard
Terms
Object number1938.30
DescriptionStanding figure of a monk, carrying branch over right shoulder. Greenish-white.Label TextScholar with a Lingzhi-style Ruyi Scepter Nephrite; Qing dynasty (1644 - 1911), 18th century Bequest of Mrs. Harry W. Goddard, in memory of Harry W. Goddard, 1938.30 The figure represents a scholar holding a scepter shaped like the fungus of immortality, lingzhi. Ancient iron scepters were used to "point the way" and "guard against the unexpected." In the late 16th century ruyi scepters (made of wood, bamboo, ivory, horn, iron, silver, gold, rock crystal or jade) became symbols of worldly, moral or spiritual authority. Since "ruyi" could be interpreted as "May you have…," the gift of a lingzhi-style ruyi scepters implied the wish that the recipient would be granted immortality. Qianlong (r. 1736-95) and succeeding Qing dynasty emperors awarded jade ruyi scepters for meritorious service, as well as to visiting dignitaries. The exhibited lingzhi-style ruyi scepter is decorated with two bats (fu) hovering over rain-clouds that emerge out of the mouth of a qi-dragon. It expresses wishes for a long life with "double happiness (fu), vast to the heavens" (shuang fu; hong fu qi tian).
On View
On viewLocations
- Exhibition Location Gallery 112
Chinese
late 18th–early 19th century, Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)
Female Figure Holding Lingzhi Fungus and a Branch with Ripe Peaches and Basket, Accompanied by a Boy
Chinese
late 18th century, Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)
Chinese
18th century, Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)
Chinese
early 18th century, Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
Chinese
late 18th century, Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
Chinese
Qianlong period (1736–1795) of the Qing dynasty (1644–1911)