An auspicious stick

The Qianlong emperor was especially fond of ruyi’s and contributed greatly to the rise in popularity of the objects.[[Cf. Liu, Liu and Zhang at al. 2009]]([Cf. Liu, Liu and Zhang at al. 2009] Ruyi’s have been used throughout Chinese history. The name of the object can be translated to “as one wishes” and ruyi’s are said to have been used both to defend oneself as well as point the way.[Willams 2006, p. 330]

. Its most practical function, however, was perhaps back scratching.[Cf [清代宫廷珍藏如意展] The traditional ruyi had a head designed after a lingzhi 灵芝 fungus, which is often used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TMC), and is thus associated with improving health. This ruyi, which was made during Qianlong’s reign, also has this signature fungus head. Moreover, the lingzhi is decorated with a bat, which was added as an auspicious sign: bats represent longevity and happiness.[Willams, p. 61] It was thus undoubtedly added to wish the recipient longevity and happiness.

It was in the Qing dynasty (1633-1912) that the ruyi’s became an important gift within imperial circles: during special occasions, e.g. when an emperor ascended the throne, ruyi’s were given by high-ranking officials to the emperor; and when the emperor rewarded his subjects, ruyi’s were also often gifted.故宫博物馆,清代宫廷珍藏如意展It is no surprise that The National Palace Museum in Beijing thus houses more than 2000 ruyi’s.