A RARE GREY JADE ‘LINGZHI AND BAMBOO’ RUYI SCEPTER, MING DYNASTY, MUSEUM PROVENANCE

The nephrite is of greyish-white color with several black streaks. Smooth surface polish and good patina.

China, Ming dynasty (1368-1644)

The handle is carved in high relief with several lingzhi as well as bamboo leaves on an elongated bamboo can, stemming from a craggy rock situated at the lower end of the handle. The head is carved with a group of two further lingzhi, one large and one small.
The lingzhi is known as a symbol of Longevity and Happiness. Scepters of this form are auspicious objects which were given as birthday presents to emperors in conveying the wish for Prosperity.

Shape: Ruyi scepter
Dimensions: Length 33 cm
Weight: 261 grams
Condition: There are four horizontal cracks going trough the handle, one associated small chip and minor nibbling. Otherwise good condition
Provenance: Carl A. Rietz Collection, California. Oakland Museum of California, de-accessioned in 1959, accession number 59.19.290. Acquired by the past owner in the 1970s

Auction results comparison: ARTS D'ASIE, Christies, Paris, 15 June 2004, lot 71. (for a Ming jade ruyi scepter of comparable size, of yellow and russet colors)

稀有明代灰玉”竹生靈芝”如意，博物館藏
和田灰白玉帶些許黑色沁，表面磨光良好，包漿完善
中國，明代(1368-1644)
竹筒形的如意炳上採用高浮雕手法雕出多朵小靈芝及竹葉，頂多則有一大一小兩朵靈芝。
由於靈芝的稀有性，被認為長生不老的仙丹。此靈芝形的玉雕如意應是給皇帝生日的一個吉祥祝壽品。
形狀：如意
尺寸：長33厘米
重量：261克
品相良好，柄上有四個水平的小裂痕，連接處有小碎屑，輕微磕碰。
Carl A. Rietz 收藏，美國加州。加州奧克蘭博物館館藏，編號59.19.290，於1959年退出館藏。舊收藏家於1970年代購入。
類似拍品：一個類似大小的明代玉雕如意，黃色帶沁，佳士得《亞洲藝術》，巴黎，2004年6月15日，拍品編號71。