Ruyi scepter with poem composed by the Qianlong Emperor
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
- 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
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
China
China
late 17th–early 18th century
China
18th century
Wang Hui
datable to 1698
China
first half 18th century
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.