The Sceptor is associated with the supreme ruler of a nation. Paintings still in extant of Chinese Emperors seldom show them holding a scepter, not in the same way we remember the scepter held by Queen ELizabeth II of Great Britain in her official portraits. The question is when did the scepter in the form of a ruyi appear in Chinese art? My best guess is Ming Dynasty and the popularity reached the zenith in the 18 century. Scepters were carved in jade, or wood with jade insets, in cloisonne and in porcelain. The reason why it was called a ruyi scepter is because the plant ruyi resembles a scepter.
Although this long wood carving does not resemble a ruyi, it is still vaguely carved in its form. The wood carver took great in carving peony flowers and leaves and tree branch, imitating the three components of the ruyi scepter.
Dating: contemporary
Dimensions: 15 1/2 inches long, 3 1/2 inches wide and 3 inches high
Condition: good