Seal Name “如意, ruyi yin”
Images click for enlargement

Category

吉語印 Jiyu Yin, Lucky Sayings Seal, mood seal

Material

Deep red serpentine.

Impression.

如意
written to read from top to bottom.

General Description

+ Yang cut, oval beach pebble seal, inscription in seal script. Carved on one side with cloud fungus or linghzi type motif on the other with plum blossom.

Translation

"as [one] wishes- as [you] wish"

PinYin

ruyi

Other info

The word ruyi is also the name for the traditional curved sceptre also often with a lingzhi mushroom shaped head (based on Ganoderma lucidum & rel sps).  During the historical evolution of Chinese ruyi "as one wishes" sceptres, they have been used as backscratchers, ritual objects in Buddhism and later Daoism, pointers for public speakers, prized icons of political power and wealth, and auspicious gifts expressing best wishes.  Earlier iron examples could also serve as defensive weapons. They have been made in every conceivable material from interesting roots to gold inset with gems.

Notes

Dimensions in millimetres

Height

mm 61

Width

mm 47

Depth

mm 31