Ruyi carved from Zitan wood with yellow jade, Qing Dynasty

A fully ornamented ruyi staff, both the zitan wood and the three pieces of yellow jade. The carving with floral decoration and bats flying among the flowers, leaves and stems are of high quality and have good relief in the carving, as do the jade pieces.

On the head of the ruyi, we find the first yellow jade plaque set in a semi-oval rectangular shape, showing a beautiful landscape with two characters surrounded by living nature and accompanied by a deer. Something similar can be found in the next two jade pieces, both the central one and the one at the foot. As can be seen in the images, the three jade pieces are arranged in similar patterns both in carving and in general shape, following the same harmony from head to foot.

On the reverse of the ruyi is a different carving, represented by a soft carving in the shape of a sky with bats flying among beautiful clouds. Bats were a frequent depiction on Qing Dynasty carvings, and for this reason, the animal presides over the foot of the ruyi on the obverse, head, centre and foot of the reverse of this precious ruyi. Qing Dynasty (1644–1912).

Length: 49.50 cm; Weight: 460 gr

Provenance: Current French private collection.  -Previous owner of lot: 92, (Carved spinach green jade vase, Qing dynasty) Auction: Asian Art Auction 29 December 2022. Darley Auctions.