Wish-granting wand (ruyi)

This wand, bearing a head that resembles the fungus of immortality, is basically a wishing stick. Its Chinese name is ruyi, meaning "May all your wishes come true." During the Qing dynasty, it was the custom to present wish-granting wands to emperors and empresses on auspicious occasions such as birthdays, new years, betrothals, and weddings. The jade insets here are decorated with the eight auspicious symbols.