A Chinese red cinnabar lacquer ruyi sceptre

A Chinese red cinnabar lacquer ruyi sceptre, 18th/19th century. The head carved with a log raft with a seated bearded figure holding a ruyi sceptre and with two other figures, all in a mountain river landscape beneath a pine tree, the stem carved with a deer and with another panel of cranes divided by scrolling foliage, 41.5cm. The ruyi sceptre is a wish granting wand and amongst the most auspicious of Chinese symbols. Ruyi literally means 'as you wish' and implies perfect satisfaction. The head is usually shaped as a lingzhi fungus, an important symbol of longevity, and the sceptres are often decorated with further auspicious Buddhist symbols such as bats and peaches. Ruyi were customarily given to the emperor and empress on occasions such as birthdays, and also used as gifts among other members if the Qing court.