Ruyi (scepter)

A Ruyi scepter (of Chinese如意Ruyi = " everything as desired ") is a decorative item and Talisman of Chinese culture. He is said to bring the owner good luck and blessing, so it is not primarily a symbol of power such as the European scepter.

Usually there is a Ruyi scepter of a head in the form of a cloud, a heart or a fungus and a slightly S-shaped stem. For producing the wide range of materials can be used. Commonly include hard wood, jade, ivory, coral, numerous precious metals and paint. The surface of the Ruyi scepter is usually richly decorated; often contains the decorative symbols to encourage the fate of its owner, for example those that promise a long life, prosperity and success.

The Ruyi scepter dates back to the entirely mundane back-scratcher (痒痒 挠yangyangnáo ). As early as the Han Dynasty, but these were held by scholars and nobles in the conversation at hand, giving them the name Tánbǐ (谈 笔; " conversation bar " ) earned. In the Ming and Qing period, their use continued for decorative and symbolic purposes by final.

The Ruyi scepter also enjoyed great popularity as a gift. In particular, the emperor was traditionally handed over to the New Year of the leading officials, generals and scholars of the kingdom crafted precious specimens; next to the Son of Heaven was of course also self which in the imperial workshops in order. As a result, adorned the scepter in large numbers the imperial throne rooms, desks and bedroom. Thus, the function of the Ruyi scepter a little to that of its Western counterparts approached as a symbol of power. The Palace Museum Beijing has about 3,000 copies, which are mainly from the Qing Dynasty.