The exhibition “Auspicious Wishes: Ruyi Sceptres in the Palace Museum Collection” opened on 10 February 2021 at the Gate of Divine Prowess (Shenwu men) in the Forbidden City as the Palace Museum’s first exhibition of the Chinese New Year. The featured 160 pieces (or sets) are among the Palace Museum’s finest ruyi sceptres as chosen from the collection of over 2,000 related works. The exhibition is divided into the following five sections: Jade Ruyi Sceptres, Bamboo and Wood Ruyi Sceptres, Metal Ruyi Sceptres, Ninefold Ruyi Sceptres, and Ruyi Sceptres of Various Materials. The displays comprehensively reflect the abundant materials, beautiful designs, refined craftsmanship, and numerous themes of ruyi sceptres of the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1911) dynasties. Walking through the galleries, visitors will find a dazzling array of works while, outside the halls atop the Gate of Divine Prowess, stunning scenery affords viewers with a relaxing atmosphere to calm the body and mind.

The exhibition ends 9 May 2021. Free tickets must be reserved in advance on the Palace Museum’s official ticketing website.