Lot  709 Ravenel Spring Auction 2021 Taipei

Ravenel Spring Auction 2021 Taipei

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.
Related Info

Refined Brushwork: Fine Chinese Paintings and Works of Art

Ravenel Spring Auction 2021 Taipei

Saturday, July 17, 2021, 1:30pm