Artwork preview

Scepter (ruyi) with gourds and vines

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Long, curved scepter made of gold-colored metal, resting on a dark wooden stand. The scepter has a handle and head shaped like gourds and vines with many small details. The handle is thicker at the head end, then tapers. The scepter is ornately decorated with vines, leaves, and gourds, with small round fruits or berries along the length. The wooden stand is dark brown with a wavy edge and three small feet. The background is a gradient from dark gray at the top to light gray at the bottom.

Artwork Details

Date
late 18th–early 19th century
Medium
Ivory with pigment
Culture
China
Dimensions
600 × 450 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette