Ruyi sceptre
Terms of Use
Usage Conditions ApplyAt A Glance
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Period
Qianlong reign, 1736-1796 -
Geography
China -
Material
Gold, turquoise, silk -
Dimension
H x W x D: 24.4 x 6 x 4.3 cm (9 5/8 x 2 3/8 x 1 11/16 in) -
Accession Number
F1937.45 -
EDAN ID
edanmdm:fsg_F1937.45
Object Details
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Label
This ruyi scepter was presented to the Qianlong emperor (reigned 1736-96) in 1783. The word ruyi literally means "as you wish," and decorative scepters such as this symbolized good wishes. The head of this scepter is decorated with ornaments of turquoise: both bats and peaches are emblems of good fortune and immortality in Chinese lore. -
Collection
Freer Gallery of Art Collection -
Exhibition History
Daoism in the Arts in China (December 16, 2006 to July 1, 2007)Gold: The Asian Touch (September 10, 2005 to February 20, 2006)Worshipping the Ancestors: Chinese Commemorative Portraits (June 17 to September 9, 2001)On Becoming Immortal (May 9, 1993 to August 15, 1994)Chinese Art (May 9 to November 29, 1993)Bicentennial Exhibition: Chinese Art (December 5, 1975 to November 10, 1976)Untitled Exhibition, Chinese Ceramics, 1955 (September 19, 1955 to November 10, 1955)Untitled Exhibition, East Asian Ceramics and Paintings, East Corridor (January 8, 1947 to ---)Untitled Exhibition, Chinese Art, 1946 (May 6, 1946 to November 17, 1955)Untitled Exhibition, Chinese Ceramics and Paintings (November 14, 1944 to May 3, 1946)Untitled Exhibition, Chinese Painting and Ceramics, 1943 (March 22, 1943 to November 13, 1944)Untitled Exhibition, Chinese Painting and Ceramics (March 14, 1931 to March 22, 1943) -
Origin
China -
Credit Line
Purchase — Charles Lang Freer Endowment -
Type
Ceremonial Object -
Restrictions and Rights
Usage Conditions Apply
There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page.
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