Silver Gilt Filigree Dragon Ruyi Scepter Inlaid with Turquoise & Ruby, Qing Dynasty, 17th-19th Century Gilt Silver Filigree Dragon Pearl White Agate Handle Ruyi Scepter

拍品描述

Dimensions: 28.5 cm (11.22 inches) in length, 98 grams in total weight. A 17th-19th century Qing Dynasty silver-gilt inlaid gemstone and agate ruyi (a type of scepter). Condition and Provenance: The curved handle is carved from natural white agate, translucent and uniform in texture, polished to present a soft curve. The agate body is free of cracks, defects, and artificial dyeing, exhibiting a soft natural stone luster. Both ends of the handle are adorned with gilded silver bands, the gilding patterns intricate and rich, the gilding thick and full, the color bright and warm, and the coverage even. The ruyi head features a double-layered gilded openwork base in the shape of a begonia flower. The upper layer is decorated with a high-relief openwork dragon chasing a pearl motif, with scales, horns, and dragon head exhibiting a strong three-dimensional effect. Six natural turquoise cabochons surround the dragon motif, evenly inlaid along the edges of the petals. Exquisite filigree work utilizes techniques such as twisting, weaving, and stacking to create intricate openwork layers. The back of the ruyi head is covered with bat and cloud patterns, symbolizing good fortune. There is only slight wear on a few gilded edges, with no large areas of gold leaf peeling off; all gemstones are securely set, without loosening or falling off. The connections between the agate and gilded fittings remain tight, showing no signs of repair, replacement, or acid treatment. This agate ruyi was traded in a Hong Kong antique gallery in 2025 and later acquired by a private Qing Dynasty decorative arts collector in New York. New York, Vancouver, London, and Toronto are major global centers for antique trading. Description: This Qing Dynasty silver-gilt filigree and gemstone-inlaid agate ruyi is a typical ceremonial ornament in the style of the imperial workshops. The ruyi staff has been a symbol of peace and good fortune since ancient times, often given as a precious gift by Qing Dynasty emperors and nobles for birthdays and royal celebrations. This ruyi staff combines three top Qing Dynasty crafts: exquisite filigree, colored gemstone inlay, and hard stone carving. The gilded silver filigree technique is exquisite, using extremely fine metal wires twisted, woven, and stacked to create lifelike three-dimensional openwork layers. The dragon chasing a pearl motif symbolizes good fortune and complements the cool tones of turquoise and the warm tones of ruby, creating a luxurious and elegant visual balance. The simple, light-colored, translucent agate handle softens the gilding's extravagance, finding a balance between flamboyant luxury and understated refinement, conforming to the elegant and grand aesthetic favored by the Qing Dynasty court. The ruyi staff has a regular shape, and the craftsmanship details are complete and flawless. The lines are clear and smooth, the natural gemstones are full of color, and the agate texture has not been altered or repaired in any modern way, remaining intact to this day. Well-preserved, fully gilded agate ruyi with matching gemstones is extremely rare on the market, with most existing pieces scattered among private collectors in Europe and America. Well-preserved, untouched original ruyi enjoys a very high reputation among international antique collectors. It not only possesses comprehensive academic research value covering Qing Dynasty goldsmithing techniques, gemstone carving, and court etiquette, but also has long-term and stable appreciation potential in the global antique market, making it a top-tier treasure among Qing Dynasty miscellaneous art collections.

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