DescriptionA rare and outstanding inscribed gold and silver-inlaid copper 'elephant' ruyi sceptre17th century十七世紀 鎏金銅錯金銀嵌寶象首如意
the reverse with an eight-character inscription reading De Cui Qianqing, zhaozhao chengxiang (the brightness of the virtues gathered at the Palace of Heavenly Purity is discernible)銘文： 「德粹乹清，昭昭成象」
Length 31.8 cm, 12½ in.Condition reportFor further information on the condition of this lot please contact Chinese.London@sothebys.com Catalogue noteThe present elephant-head ruyi sceptre is unusual for its elegant shape, intricate inlays and inscription, which suggests a link to the Palace of Heavenly Purity in the Forbidden City. An imperial poem about the Palace by the Qianlong Emperor (r. 1736-96) starts with phrases similar to the present inscription, praising various virtues and their brightness; see Guochao gongshi [Court History], juan 12, p. 6. See a slightly longer gilt-bronze elephant-head sceptre from the collection of Robert H. Blumenfield, but without inlays, attributed to the 17th to 18th century and sold at Christie's New York, 22nd March 2012, lot 1232.
DescriptionA rare and outstanding inscribed gold and silver-inlaid copper 'elephant' ruyi sceptre17th century十七世紀 鎏金銅錯金銀嵌寶象首如意
the reverse with an eight-character inscription reading De Cui Qianqing, zhaozhao chengxiang (the brightness of the virtues gathered at the Palace of Heavenly Purity is discernible)銘文： 「德粹乹清，昭昭成象」
Length 31.8 cm, 12½ in.Condition reportFor further information on the condition of this lot please contact Chinese.London@sothebys.com Catalogue noteThe present elephant-head ruyi sceptre is unusual for its elegant shape, intricate inlays and inscription, which suggests a link to the Palace of Heavenly Purity in the Forbidden City. An imperial poem about the Palace by the Qianlong Emperor (r. 1736-96) starts with phrases similar to the present inscription, praising various virtues and their brightness; see Guochao gongshi [Court History], juan 12, p. 6. See a slightly longer gilt-bronze elephant-head sceptre from the collection of Robert H. Blumenfield, but without inlays, attributed to the 17th to 18th century and sold at Christie's New York, 22nd March 2012, lot 1232.
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
