A Chinese carved bamboo ruyi scepter 竹雕佛手如意 18th/19th century 十八或十九世纪 Naturalistically carved and undercut as entwined gnarled leafy branches of "Buddha's-hand" finger citron, symbolizing abundance, the head in the form of several finger citron, with characteristic whorls and pitting, the bamboo of rich brown color with smooth patina. (L: 12 1/4 in.) Qty: (1) Footnote: NOTE: Ruyi sceptres carved in a variety of forms and materials became popular in the 18th century, often given as gifts to celebrate special birthdays and other important occasions. See "China, The Three Emperors", London, 2005, pp. 366-367, no. 273 for a set of nine naturalistically-carved ruyi scepters from the collection of the Palace Museum, Beijing, dated to the Yongzheng or Qianlong period.