Ruyi scepter

Attributed to Hu Wenming Chinese

17th century

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 218

On loan to The Met

This work of art is currently on loan to the museum.

This scepter is an accoutrement commonly used by a learned gentleman. Designed with a cloud-shaped head, such scepters are known as ruyi, literally “as [you] wish,” and are talismanic objects meant to bring good fortune. This secepter’s handle is engraved with a twelve-character inscription inlaid with silver wire that has a Zen-like connotation: “My mind is flourishing, my mind is pure; my mind is utterly free of intention and self-consciousness.” The back of the handle is incised with the artist’s rectangular mark “Made by Hu Wenming of Yunjian.”

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

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, parcel gilding
Dimensions: W. 3 in. (7.6 cm); L. 16 11/16 in. (42.4 cm)
Classification: Metalwork
Credit Line: Lent by a private collection
Object Number: L.2025.30.5a, b
Curatorial Department: Asian Art