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On loan to The Met The Met accepts temporary loans of art both for short-term exhibitions and for long-term display in its galleries.

Ruyi scepter

Attributed to Hu Wenming Chinese

17th century

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 218

Ruyi scepter, Attributed to Hu Wenming (Chinese, active late 16th–early 17th century), Copper alloy, silver inlay, China — This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Ruyi scepter, Attributed to Hu Wenming (Chinese, active late 16th–early 17th century), Copper alloy, silver inlay, China

Ruyi scepter, Attributed to Hu Wenming (Chinese, active late 16th–early 17th century), Copper alloy, silver inlay, China

Ruyi scepter, Attributed to Hu Wenming (Chinese, active late 16th–early 17th century), Copper alloy, silver inlay, China

Ruyi scepter, Attributed to Hu Wenming (Chinese, active late 16th–early 17th century), Copper alloy, silver inlay, China

Ruyi scepter, Attributed to Hu Wenming (Chinese, active late 16th–early 17th century), Copper alloy, silver inlay, China

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

明晚期胡文明款銅如意

Title: Ruyi scepter

Artist: Attributed to Hu Wenming (Chinese, active late 16th–early 17th century)

Period: Ming dynasty (1368–1644)

Date: 17th century

Culture: China

Medium: Copper alloy, silver inlay

Dimensions: W. 3 in. (7.6 cm); L. 16 11/16 in. (42.4 cm)

Classification: Metalwork

Credit Line: Lent by a private collection

Rights and Reproduction: Image © The Metropolitan Museum of Art, photo by Oi-Cheong Lee

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Asian Art at The Met

The Met's collection of Asian art—more than 35,000 objects, ranging in date from the third millennium B.C. to the twenty-first century—is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world.