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1 of 253523 objects
Ruyi sceptre reign of Qianlong, 1736-95
Carved nephrite jade with silk and coral | 45.7 x 13.0 x 5.9 cm (whole object) | RCIN 35384
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A nephrite jade ruyi sceptre with pointed lower end. The rounded surface carved with iris, peach and bamboo, the head with the imperial emblem of a coiled, five-clawed dragon with a flaming jewel among clouds; the hollowed underside with two bats and clouds. Attached to the lower end by a cord threaded through two holes, tassels of red silk with coral beads.
The ruyi sceptre is a time-honoured symbol of authority in China.
Text adapted from Chinese and Japanese Works of Art in the Collection of Her Majesty The Queen: Volume III.Provenance
Possibly presented to Queen Victoria on the occasion of her Golden Jubilee in 1887 by Guangxu, Emperor of China. Possibly identifiable in a list of Golden Jubilee presents to Queen Victoria as '651. Carved Sceptre, white jade with stand' (RCIN 1006942). Also recorded as no. 700 in a list of presents from the Guangxu Emperor on the occasion of Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee: ‘Carved Sceptre, white jade, with red silk tassels with beads’ (Royal Archives F&V/JUB/1887/Celebration).
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Creator(s)
(nationality)Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Carved nephrite jade with silk and coral
Measurements
45.7 x 13.0 x 5.9 cm (whole object)
