Concept information
Preferred term
ruyi
Definition
- A curved decorative object in Chinese culture. Originally, it was used by Buddhist monks as a back scratcher and was part of their daily tools. During the Qing Dynasty (1644–1911), Ruyi became a symbol of imperial power and good fortune. It was used in ceremonies, given as valuable gifts, and even in personal decisions by the emperor. A traditional Ruyi has a long S-shaped handle and a palm-shaped head (fist or cloud). It can be held in different ways and is made from precious materials like jade, gold, silver, crystal, bamboo, and rhinoceros horn. In art and folklore, the Ruyi appears with Buddhist saints, Daoist immortals, and the god of Prosperity (Cai Shen). Its shape is also a common motif in decorative objects, textiles, and logos. Today, Ruyi is mostly ornamental, symbolizing good luck, prosperity, and fulfillment of wishes.
Alternative Terms
ruyi
Chinese
Source
- Benn, J. (2005). John Kieschnick, The Impact of Buddhism on Chinese Material Culture, Harvard Journal of Asiatic Studies 65/1, 207–215.
- Han, J., Jiang, Y., & Li, J. (2021). Research on the Application of Chinese Traditional Pattern “Ruyi Pattern” in Buckle Design. Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Arts, Design and Contemporary Education (ICADCE), Atlantis Press
- Huang, B. (2020). Research on the contemporary application of Chinese traditional Ruyi patterns. Western Leather, 42(01), 118.
Belongs to group
In other languages
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ruyi
Chinese
URI
http://w3id.org/write/thesaurus/ruyi
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