Ruyi sceptre (rod) is an iconic object in Chinese culture and applied arts. It has complex symbolism and several meanings at the same time, as it incorporates the cults of the emperor, family and love relationships.
The history of Ruyi sceptre (如意 "as you wish") goes away deep into centuries. The first mention of a similar item dates back to 100-200 AD. Centuries later, Ruyi evolved from a "wishing rod" into a sceptre of imperiality.
Ruyi sceptre is a sign of might, an amulet of power, a talisman of might. In ancient times it was an attribute of emperors and governors.

At the same time, Ruyi sceptre was a symbol of wishes accomplishment. Of course, in imperial China, a lot of people would like to have "wishing rods", could not posses them, either because of their "low" social status or because of their enormous cost.

In the Qing era¹⁾ (1644-1912) Ruyi was becoming more and more ponderous and refined, it was used both as a luxurious decorative element of the interior and as an expensive gift. Ruyi was a mysterious guide to the world of luxury and prosperity and, at the same time, a symbol of well-being. Even nowadays, the presence of this object in the house contributes to realisation of the most daring goals, assists to realize plans and fulfil the dearest wishes.

The museum Collection Repository features one of the similar specimen – the Imperial Ruyi Sceptre "Peonies and Pomegranates", created in Guangzhou (China) in 1736-1795 (the reign of Qianlong²⁾). The sceptre is carved in ivory and has the shape of intertwined stems and leaves of pomegranate and peony, with fruit and flowers, some leaves are painted green.
It is no coincidence that the sceptre (rod) is decorated with peonies. In Chinese culture these majestic flowers are considered a symbol of prosperity – their images are often found in paintings, and they are frequently mentioned in lyrics. Peonies symbolise aristocratic taste and sophistication. In China, a peony is considered the national flower; it is called "the flower of honour and wealth". At the same time, a peony is a symbol of love, eternal youthfulness, tenderness and the very apotheosis of womanhood.

We can safely say that a Ruyi sceptre (rod) is a welcome gift for any person, regardless of whether he has power or only dreams of it, it is a mysterious guide to the world of luxury and prosperity, symbol of good luck and the rise of career.

On a wonderful summer day, it is so nice to connect with beauty, smile approval to world and wish each other fulfilment of all wishes.

¹⁾ The Qing dynasty was a Manchu-led imperial dynasty of China and the last imperial dynasty in Chinese history. The dynasty, proclaimed in Shenyang in 1636, seized control of Beijing in 1644, which is considered the start of the dynasty's rule.

²⁾ The Qianlong Emperor (1736–1795), Qianlong ruled China under the motto "Qianlong's unshakable and glorious rule". Some scholars compare him to both Peter the Great and Ivan the Terrible at the same time. Like Peter the Great, he ruled the state independently, personally delving into all matters.