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Scepter in the Shape of a Ruyi Fungus
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The <em>ruyi</em> scepter was among the decorative items collected by the Chinese literati. It was thought that lofty and refined men of ancient times—the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove of the late 200s CE—carried ruyi scepters during the so-called pure conversations of the Daoists. The name ruyi (literally, as one wishes) conveys blessings of wish fulfillment. The fungus-shaped head is an emblem of immortality.
| Artist / Maker | China, Qing dynasty (1644-1911) |
|---|---|
| Date | 1700s |
| Culture / Origin | China, Qing dynasty (1644-1911) |
| Medium | carved boxwood |
| Dimensions | Overall: 38.1 cm (15 in.) |
| Department | Chinese Art |
| Type | Wood |
About the Artist
Provenance & Source
Image & data: Cleveland Museum of Art, CC0 / Public Domain.
Condition
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