Antique Chinese hardwood ruyi scepter, naturalistically carved in the gnarled form of a lingzhi mushroom. A ruyi (meaning "as desired" or "as you wish" in Chinese) is a symbol of power and good fortune. Larger ruyi were held by nobility as scepters, smaller ruyi acted as a talisman. Because of it's many medicinal uses and it's power to balance one's qi (life force), lingzhi fungus is often seen in Chinese art as a symbol of health and longevity.

Republic Period (1912-1949)

Dimensions: 11 1/2" long x 2 1/2" wide