The Origin and Meaning of Jade Ruyi

"Jade Ruyi" is a relatively special product among jade carvings and is a traditional auspicious object in my country. According to relevant records, this item has existed as early as the Eastern Han Dynasty, and in the Qing Dynasty, it had become one of the treasures of the palace. Its shape is a head made of cloud patterns and Ganoderma lucidum with a long handle.

The source of wish

In ancient times, "Jade Ruyi" was widely used. It could be used as a self-defense device and as a command banner in wars. It symbolized success and good luck. As a lucky object, it is widely used among the people and the court. Before ordinary people go on a long journey, their family or friends will give them Ruyi to express good wishes. When Buddhist monks preach, they often use "Jade Ruyi" as a prop they carry with them. During the Qing Dynasty, "Jade Ruyi" was most widely used in the palace. For example, at the emperor's enthronement ceremony, the minister in charge of etiquette would present a "Jade Ruyi" to wish for good governance and harmony among the people and a smooth new policy. When the emperor met with foreign envoys, he would also present a "Jade Ruyi" to show the establishment of friendship between the two countries and peace and prosperity for the country and the people. There are "Jade Ruyi" in the bedrooms of the emperor, empress, and concubines to nourish the mind and nourish the character, and to indicate good luck and peace. Especially during the emperor and empress's wedding, the palace's longevity, the Mid-Autumn Festival and New Year's Day, the ministers are required to present a large number of "Jade Ruyi" to imply peace and good fortune for the emperor and empress. It can be seen that a small "Ruyi" is a precious item that combines court etiquette, folk exchanges, and display and appreciation.

Origin and meaning of Ruyi

Its shape is made of cloud patterns and Ganoderma lucidum with a head connected to a long handle. The original "Ruyi" evolved from the ancient hu and scratching stick. At that time, people used it to scratch the itchy places that their hands could not reach, and it could satisfy people's wishes, so it was named "Ruyi". "Ruyi" is a relatively special jade carving and is a traditional auspicious object in my country.

The most common interpretation of "Ruyi" is that it was developed from "Hu", which was a notebook used by court officials to take notes during court sessions. In order to make it more beautiful, auspicious cloud patterns were painted on it, symbolizing good luck and good fortune.

As time goes by, many jade ornaments that were popular in history (including jadeite ornaments), such as jade hairpins, jade hairpins, dragon hooks, top hats, rings, jade belts, flat hairpins, sachets, etc., have basically disappeared in today's popular jewelry consumer market. These ornaments can only be seen in cultural relics shops, antique shops or antique markets. However, Ruyi has been able to transcend history and be accepted and passed down by people. It is generally appreciated by contemporary people and has become an ornament that is appreciated by both the elite and the masses. Nowadays, in Beijing, Sihui, Jieyang in Guangdong, Nanyang, Zhenping and Yangzhou in Henan, there are still many jade carving craftsmen who use jadeite, Hetian jade, Dushan jade, etc. to make Ruyi carvings of various shapes. In the jewelry market, we often see flower pieces made of jade, with a ruyi pattern added among many other patterns to show blessings to the buyers.

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