China / Beijing

RuyiA ~ Z

Introducing the Ruyi

Ruyi is one of the most commonly used decorative objects in the imperial court of China. It a curved object that serves as a ceremonial sceptre in Buddhism or a talisman symbolizing power and good fortune in Chinese folklore. The God of Fortune, Cai Shen, is often depicted as holding a Ruyi in his hands. Ruyi is the combination of the two Chinese characters; Ru means as desired while Yi signifies the wishes. When combined, Ruyi means the wishes come true.

A traditional ruyi has a long S-shaped handle and a head fashioned like a Lingzhi mushroom (Lucid Ganodema), a kind of precious Chinese herbal medicine. Ruyi are made of different materials and used by people with different social statues. For example, the Forbidden City in Beijing has nearly 3,000 Ruyi that are made of valuable materials like gold, silver, iron, bamboo, wood, ivory, coral, rhinoceros horn, lacquer, crystal, jade, and precious gems.

Scholars have proposed two basic theories for the origin of Ruyi. One theory is that it originated from a Sanskrit word which means “a ceremonial scepter” used by Buddhist monks in India, who later brought it to China and transliterated as Ruyi. The other one is that Ruyi originated as a backscratcher in early China, and was combined with the Buddhist symbol of authority. During the Later Han Dynasty (25-220) and Jin Dynasty (265–420), literati and nobles often held Ruyi during conversations and other social occasions. According to historical records, when Emperor Xiaowen of Northern Wei (471-499) wanted to retire from the throne, he tested his sons by letting them choose among a number objects, and the one who picked up a bone Ruyi became the successor. By the end of the sixth century, not only was the Ruyi common at court, but it had even begun to take on emblematic significance as the mark of a ruler. Although the Ruyi symbolized imperial political power, it differed from the Western royal scepter because Chinese officials and monks could also use it. In the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), Ruyi became popular as ornaments or gifts symbolizing blessings and good luck. During the Qing Dynasty (1644–1911), Ruyi became the luxuriant symbols of political power that were regularly used in imperial ceremonies, and were highly valued as gifts to and from the Emperor of China. For example, during the coronation ceremony, the officials from Ministry of Rites must present Ruyi to the new emperor for best wishes; Ruyi also needed to be offered to the foreign envoys visiting China by the Emperor for a friendly relationship; Ruyi was also an integral part of the ornaments in the living rooms of the empress and concubines for auspicious omen; a great number of Ruyi also were presented by ministers during the Emperor’s wedding for good luck.

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