AN IMPERIAL ZITAN ‘SANDUO’ RUYI

QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD (1736-1795)

LENGTH: 34.7CM

The zitan ruyi is carved in openwork and in high relief with fruit entwined within scrolling foliage wrapped around the curvy staff. The head of the ruyi is carved in the shape of a cluster of peach, persimmon and finger citron. The combination of the three fruit is referred to as ‘sanduo’—or ‘three abundances’ – a popular auspicious well-wishing offered on a ruyi, a staff of longevity and immortality. The ruyi is embellished with its original orange tassel.

SIMILAR EXAMPLE
A similarly decorated zitan ruyi in the Palace Museum collection was on loan in the Royal Academy exhibition and published in China: The Three Emperors, 1662-1795, London, 2005, p. 366, Catalogue No. 273

清乾隆紫檀三多如意