Skip to main content
Advanced Search
Wish-granting wand (ruyi)
Wish-granting wand (ruyi)

Wish-granting wand (ruyi)

Place of OriginChina
Date1800 - 1900
DynastyQing dynasty (1644 - 1911)
MaterialsCarved red lacquer
DimensionsOverall: H. 2 5/8 in × W. 16 in × D. 4 1/16 in (6.7 cm × 40.6 cm × 10.3 cm)
Credit LineGift of Mr. A.T. Brugger
Object numberB82M5
DepartmentChinese Art
ClassificationsDecorative Arts
On View
Not on view
More Information
This wand, bearing a head that resembles the fungus of immortality, is basically a wishing stick. Its Chinese name is ruyi, meaning "May all your wishes come true." During the Qing dynasty, it was the custom to present wish-granting wands to emperors and empresses on auspicious occasions such as birthdays, new years, betrothals, and weddings. The jade insets here are decorated with the eight auspicious symbols.