Ruyi green jade ‘Landscape in relief’, Qing dynasty

A large ruyi carved in deep-toned dark-green jade with natural lighter veins. The piece has the classic sinuous form of the ruyi, with the upper end in the shape of a cloud or lingzhi mushroom head, a symbol of longevity and spiritual power. The head is richly decorated in high relief with a garden scene that includes lush vegetation, leafy tree branches, flowers and characters, all interwoven in a dynamic composition. The body of the handle continues the scene with more detail: natural elements such as rocks and groves appear, suggesting a literary scene.

The carving is meticulous and of high quality, with attention to volume, texture and depth, giving the piece a sculptural character. These characteristics, together with the use of jade, which was historically a material reserved for the imperial elite and associated with virtue and immortality, indicate that this is an ornamental object of a symbolic nature, probably intended for a palatial setting. Qing dynasty (1644-1912) or later.

Size: 57 x 17 cm

Weight: 3400 g