Ruyi scepter with poem composed by the Qianlong Emperor

mid-18th century
Not on view
This scepter was fashioned from bamboo veneer, a special technique where the exterior layer of a bamboo stalk is used to create a soft and smooth appearance resembling boxwood. Such works were popular in the imperial workshop because of their appeal to the Qianlong Emperor. The back of this scepter was incised with a poem composed by the emperor in appreciation of the bamboo scepter as an ideal literati object: “[The bamboo scepter] loves to stay where only witty conversa­tion takes place, and feels like meeting real gentlemen.”

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 清乾隆 文竹御題詩如意
  • Title: Ruyi scepter with poem composed by the Qianlong Emperor
  • Period: Qing dynasty (1644–1911), Qianlong period (1736–95)
  • Date: mid-18th century
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Bamboo veneer, silk
  • Dimensions: W. 3 3/4 in. (9.5 cm); L. 13 3/4 in. (34.9 cm)
  • Classification: Woodwork
  • Credit Line: Gift of Florence and Herbert Irving, 2015
  • Object Number: 2015.500.6.40
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

More Artwork

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.