Lizzadro Museum Programs Spring Calendar 2012
LIZZADRO MUSEUM
Newsletter &
Calendar
of Events
OFJanuary
LAPIDARY
ART
through
April 28
“Fashion Trend: Bolo Ties!”
,
Special Exhibit
Lizzadro Museum of
Lapidary Art
Newsletter
Calendar of Events
March&
2009
Spring Calendar 2012
“Household Jades of Qing
Dynasty China”
through June 3, 2012
Features a selection of jades
used at the table, in the studio,
and as personal adornment.
Qing Dynasty China (1644 to 1911)
produced exceptional carvings for a
growing jade market. This period is
unsurpassed for incorporating historic
forms with stylized symbolism.
April 22
“Chinese Decorative Arts
Roadshow”
Appraiser, Jeffrey Moy specializes in
Chinese antiques and collectibles
and is the owner of Paragon Books in
Chicago. Mr. Moy will offer an informal
appraisal evaluation of individual pieces
of Chinese origin including stone, ivory,
ceramics and other materials. Limit 2
pieces per person. Find out the value
of your treasured or unknown Chinese
collectible!
1pm to 4pm
Reservations Required (630-833-1616)
Regular Museum admission,
Museum Members Free.
Check Out the Museum Shop!
New merchandise is in with great gifts
for Grads, weddings and Mom’s Day!
Shop on-line: www.lizzadromuseum.org
Bolo ties are making a come-back from
TV shows like Glee to the fashion
runways and on eBay. Chicago collector
Norman L. Sandfield, presents an
illustrated talk about bolo (or bola) ties,
and his new book Native American Bolo
Ties: Vintage and Contemporary Artistry
published by the Museum of New Mexico
Press. The book accompanies the recent
opening of a major exhibition of the same
name at the Heard Museum in Phoenix,
Arizona. Sandfield will bring some of his
recently acquired fine bolo ties to display.
Wear a bolo tie for free admission to the
Museum – April 28 only.
Lecture & Book Signing – 2 p.m.
60 minutes
Reservations Recommended
Regular Museum Admission,
Museum Members Free
May 20
“Museum Day in Elmhurst”
Ride the trolley and see all four Museums
in Elmhurst. Participate in activities
and view exhibits at each Museum.
At the Lizzadro Museum see the
New Rock & Mineral
Experience and go on
a scavenger hunt
to win a prize!
1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
All Ages Welcome.
Admission is Free!
LIZZADRO MUSEUM OF LAPIDARY ART
220 Cottage Hill Ave. Elmhurst, IL 60126 • 630/833-1616
www.lizzadromuseum.org
Rock & Mineral Identification
Geologist Sara Johnson presents an
introduction to rocks and minerals.
Learn how to make a basic mineral
test kit. Hands on identification
procedures include observation skills
and hardness tests. Great for teachers
and rockhounds, this program qualifies
for a Boy & Girl Scout merit badges.
All materials are provided.
Activity – Ages 8 yrs. to Adult
75 minutes
Admission: $5.00 per person,
Museum Members $3.00
Reservations Required: (630) 833-1616
Saturday, April 14 at 10:30 a.m.
Saturday, May 12 at 10:30 a.m.
Saturday, June 9 at 10:30 a.m.
June 16
“Stone Hunt”
This hands-on activity allows children
and adults to search for gemstones and
mineral specimens among more common
rocks and minerals. Learn the difference
between rocks and minerals and how to
distinguish between them. Each rock or
mineral found is identified and can be
taken home.
Activity - Ages 5 yrs. to Adult
45 minutes - 2 p.m.
$4.00 per person, Museum Members Free
Reservations Recommended
Pick Up Your Passport
to Adventure Here!
Summer is a great time to visit the
museums in Kane and DuPage Counties.
Designed for ages 4 to 12, each site has an
activity for children to complete. Visit 7
or more sites and win a prize! The Summer
Passport program begins Memorial Day
and ends Labor Day.
We would like to hear from you. Please direct questions or comments to [email protected]
Return Service Requested
Museum Hours
Tuesday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Closed Mondays and Easter Sunday.
Group Tours
A DVD program is available to all
groups visiting the Museum for a
nominal fee. Reservations must be made.
Tours can be arranged for groups with
special interests or needs. The Museum
has facilities to provide access for
physically disabled visitors.
Admission
$4.00 Adults, $3.00 Senior Citizens,
$2.00 Students & Teenagers
$1.00 children 7 to 12 yrs.
Free for children under 7.
Friday is Free day.
Members of the Lizzadro Museum
and active members of the Armed
Forces are admitted free of charge
on any day the Museum is open
to the public.
Find us on
Visit us at lizzadromuseum.org
Check out our new website.
See our greatly expanded Gift Shop
inventory and search by stone.
Museum members can receive their
Gift Shop discount on-line. Volunteer
forms are available.
This Publication is printed
in part by a grant from the
Illinois Arts Council
The origin of the ruyi is a platform for great controversy
among scholars. Some believe the ruyi originated as a
flywhisk. Others profess that this scepter evolved from
the short sword with sword guard originally used for
self-defense and gesticulations of aggression. Another
maintains the ruyi was first forged of iron and was used
to “point the way” and guard against the unexpected
and unforeseen. Its shape may be patterned after a
heavenly constellation and its disc-like head a cloud
representation. However most scholars believe the
ruyi form stems from lingzhi, the fungus of immortality.
The ruyi head shape and handle clearly resemble the
lingzhi mushroom, used in Asia for two thousand years
as a medicinal plant. Its relative rarity in the past gave it
an immortal status, symbolizing good health and long life.
A ruyi carved of nephrite with black chromite
flecks depicts the 8 Daoist Immortals. The wood
ruyi with inlaid nephrite plaques shows cranes
among lotus flowers symbolizing long life and
tranquility. The fruit-laden jujube plant carved
on wood adds the element of a fruitful marriage.
Ruyi, The Ultimate Gift
One of the most commonly asked questions among visitors
to the Museum is: “What is a ruyi?” Visitors often
discover the ruyi scepters on permanent display in the
snuff bottle cases. The special exhibit “Household Jades
of Qing Dynasty China” brings out six more ruyi from the
Museum’s collection. Displayed in the center flat case
the visitor can examine them closely to see the symbolism
and diversity of each piece. Ruyi scepters were not only
displayed in palaces but also in wealthy homes.
The following article is a good introduction to answering
the questions: “What is it?” and “What was it used for?”
and more importantly “What does it mean?”
A ruyi is an unusual item that has been produced in
China for centuries. It is composed of a head and
handle. The head is flat or slightly convex. The
handle is most often characterized by an undulating
curve when the ruyi is observed from the side.
Historic proof is available to show that the ruyi in
its present form did exist during the Yuan Dynasty
(1280-1368 A.D.), was used in the Ming Dynasty
(1368-1644 A.D.), but did not gain popularity until
the reign of the Emperor Qianlong, the greatest of
the Chinese jade-loving emperors. It is recorded that
in 1785, during the anniversary celebration of the
Emperor’s 50th year of reign, many of the attending
elders received jade-headed ruyi as gifts. The Emperor
himself received a fan-shaped wooden gift box with a
glass cover containing a set of nine ruyi. In 1895 a list
of tributes prepared by Fu Kum and others included
five pairs of jade ruyi-scepters as gifts for the Empress
Dowager for her 60th birthday. Ruyi were apparently
placed upon a table before the throne of the Emperor
or Empress in every reception room in the palace.
The head of the 8 Auspicious Buddhist Treasures
ruyi depicts four treasures and a longevity
character carved in low relief. The bat at the
top symbolizes happiness.
The Lizzadro collection includes sixteen ruyi. The
collection reveals many of the differences in ruyi in
both motif and size. These ruyi are hand carved and
date to the late 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries.
Each of these carvings has two small pierced holes in
the very tip of the handle where a brightly colored
silk tassel would have hung. Imagine a courtier or
Buddhist priest draped in silk robes holding a ruyi
with its long silk tassel hanging down among the
other prestigious tinkling jade ornaments.
Rock crystal quartz ruyi with silk tassel and wood
stand is inscribed “May all your desires be fulfilled
for the next ten thousand years.”
Once again the purpose of the ruyi remains
controversial. One says the ruyi was carried in the
right hand to show divine authority and was used
by the emperors during sacred rituals to the God of
Agriculture. Another believes the ruyi was a highly
valued betrothal gift. A third scholar says that both
the Buddhist and Daoist priests used the ruyi in rituals
such as Winter Solstice worship as an object of
sacrifice. More modern uses of the ruyi describe it as a
gift to show reciprocity and respect between Chinese
emperors and European rulers or other persons of
great scholarship and importance.
Whatever the truth of origin, purpose or
beholder, the meaning of the name ruyi
could not have been more appropriate. Its
translation of “as you desire” or “as you
wish” may be the only way of explaining the
numerous theories that have encouraged
scholars to defend such diverse theories.
The materials also vary: wood, bone, rhino
horn, gold, silver, ceramic, bamboo, iron,
amber, rock crystal, jade or inlaid with jade
plaques or other stones. Designs also differ
and may depict traditional Chinese, Buddhist,
or Daoist symbolism in very plain or highly
ornamental styles. Sizes range in length,
width and degree of curvature in the handle,
weighing from light to heavy. Indeed “as you
wish,” ruyi, is a most appropriate name.
The ruyi are most awkward to hold in one’s fist since
they are top heavy if held by the handle and gangly
when held under the head. They fit comfortably and
snuggly in the crook of the arm with the center of
the handle laying nicely across the belly. Perhaps
the height of the arch was designed to fit the size
of the holder’s paunch and the length of the handle
measured the arm length of the person holding
it. Indeed this would account for the variation in
lengths and sizes. Based on the premise that these
ruyi were sized to the individual to whom they were
given, it would follow that the carved designs were
also relevant to the beliefs and religion of either the
giver of the gift or its recipient.
To find insight into the ruyi scepters look at the symbolism.
The ruyi scepter is a gesture of good will. After all what
else can you do but wish one all the best, good health and
blessings on a special occasion.
This article was updated and excerpted
from “Ruyi in the Lizzadro Collection”
by Miriam Anderson Lytle,
Lizzadro Museum Publication
Winter/Spring 1994.
Side view
of a ruyi shows an
undulating curve.
The origin of the ruyi is a platform for great controversy
among scholars. Some believe the ruyi originated as a
flywhisk. Others profess that this scepter evolved from
the short sword with sword guard originally used for
self-defense and gesticulations of aggression. Another
maintains the ruyi was first forged of iron and was used
to “point the way” and guard against the unexpected
and unforeseen. Its shape may be patterned after a
heavenly constellation and its disc-like head a cloud
representation. However most scholars believe the
ruyi form stems from lingzhi, the fungus of immortality.
The ruyi head shape and handle clearly resemble the
lingzhi mushroom, used in Asia for two thousand years
as a medicinal plant. Its relative rarity in the past gave it
an immortal status, symbolizing good health and long life.
A ruyi carved of nephrite with black chromite
flecks depicts the 8 Daoist Immortals. The wood
ruyi with inlaid nephrite plaques shows cranes
among lotus flowers symbolizing long life and
tranquility. The fruit-laden jujube plant carved
on wood adds the element of a fruitful marriage.
Ruyi, The Ultimate Gift
One of the most commonly asked questions among visitors
to the Museum is: “What is a ruyi?” Visitors often
discover the ruyi scepters on permanent display in the
snuff bottle cases. The special exhibit “Household Jades
of Qing Dynasty China” brings out six more ruyi from the
Museum’s collection. Displayed in the center flat case
the visitor can examine them closely to see the symbolism
and diversity of each piece. Ruyi scepters were not only
displayed in palaces but also in wealthy homes.
The following article is a good introduction to answering
the questions: “What is it?” and “What was it used for?”
and more importantly “What does it mean?”
A ruyi is an unusual item that has been produced in
China for centuries. It is composed of a head and
handle. The head is flat or slightly convex. The
handle is most often characterized by an undulating
curve when the ruyi is observed from the side.
Historic proof is available to show that the ruyi in
its present form did exist during the Yuan Dynasty
(1280-1368 A.D.), was used in the Ming Dynasty
(1368-1644 A.D.), but did not gain popularity until
the reign of the Emperor Qianlong, the greatest of
the Chinese jade-loving emperors. It is recorded that
in 1785, during the anniversary celebration of the
Emperor’s 50th year of reign, many of the attending
elders received jade-headed ruyi as gifts. The Emperor
himself received a fan-shaped wooden gift box with a
glass cover containing a set of nine ruyi. In 1895 a list
of tributes prepared by Fu Kum and others included
five pairs of jade ruyi-scepters as gifts for the Empress
Dowager for her 60th birthday. Ruyi were apparently
placed upon a table before the throne of the Emperor
or Empress in every reception room in the palace.
The head of the 8 Auspicious Buddhist Treasures
ruyi depicts four treasures and a longevity
character carved in low relief. The bat at the
top symbolizes happiness.
The Lizzadro collection includes sixteen ruyi. The
collection reveals many of the differences in ruyi in
both motif and size. These ruyi are hand carved and
date to the late 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries.
Each of these carvings has two small pierced holes in
the very tip of the handle where a brightly colored
silk tassel would have hung. Imagine a courtier or
Buddhist priest draped in silk robes holding a ruyi
with its long silk tassel hanging down among the
other prestigious tinkling jade ornaments.
Rock crystal quartz ruyi with silk tassel and wood
stand is inscribed “May all your desires be fulfilled
for the next ten thousand years.”
Once again the purpose of the ruyi remains
controversial. One says the ruyi was carried in the
right hand to show divine authority and was used
by the emperors during sacred rituals to the God of
Agriculture. Another believes the ruyi was a highly
valued betrothal gift. A third scholar says that both
the Buddhist and Daoist priests used the ruyi in rituals
such as Winter Solstice worship as an object of
sacrifice. More modern uses of the ruyi describe it as a
gift to show reciprocity and respect between Chinese
emperors and European rulers or other persons of
great scholarship and importance.
Whatever the truth of origin, purpose or
beholder, the meaning of the name ruyi
could not have been more appropriate. Its
translation of “as you desire” or “as you
wish” may be the only way of explaining the
numerous theories that have encouraged
scholars to defend such diverse theories.
The materials also vary: wood, bone, rhino
horn, gold, silver, ceramic, bamboo, iron,
amber, rock crystal, jade or inlaid with jade
plaques or other stones. Designs also differ
and may depict traditional Chinese, Buddhist,
or Daoist symbolism in very plain or highly
ornamental styles. Sizes range in length,
width and degree of curvature in the handle,
weighing from light to heavy. Indeed “as you
wish,” ruyi, is a most appropriate name.
The ruyi are most awkward to hold in one’s fist since
they are top heavy if held by the handle and gangly
when held under the head. They fit comfortably and
snuggly in the crook of the arm with the center of
the handle laying nicely across the belly. Perhaps
the height of the arch was designed to fit the size
of the holder’s paunch and the length of the handle
measured the arm length of the person holding
it. Indeed this would account for the variation in
lengths and sizes. Based on the premise that these
ruyi were sized to the individual to whom they were
given, it would follow that the carved designs were
also relevant to the beliefs and religion of either the
giver of the gift or its recipient.
To find insight into the ruyi scepters look at the symbolism.
The ruyi scepter is a gesture of good will. After all what
else can you do but wish one all the best, good health and
blessings on a special occasion.
This article was updated and excerpted
from “Ruyi in the Lizzadro Collection”
by Miriam Anderson Lytle,
Lizzadro Museum Publication
Winter/Spring 1994.
Side view
of a ruyi shows an
undulating curve.
Special Exhibit
Lizzadro Museum of
Lapidary Art
LIZZADRO MUSEUM
Newsletter &
Calendar
of Events
OFJanuary
LAPIDARY
ART
through
April 28
“Fashion Trend: Bolo Ties!”
Newsletter
Calendar of Events
March&
2009
NONPROFIT
Organization
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Elmhurst, Illinois
Permit No. 149
Spring Calendar 2012
“Household Jades of Qing
Dynasty China”
through June 3, 2012
Features a selection of jades
used at the table, in the studio,
and as personal adornment.
Qing Dynasty China (1644 to 1911)
produced exceptional carvings for a
growing jade market. This period is
unsurpassed for incorporating historic
forms with stylized symbolism.
April 22
“Chinese Decorative Arts
Roadshow”
Appraiser, Jeffrey Moy specializes in
Chinese antiques and collectibles
and is the owner of Paragon Books in
Chicago. Mr. Moy will offer an informal
appraisal evaluation of individual pieces
of Chinese origin including stone, ivory,
ceramics and other materials. Limit 2
pieces per person. Find out the value
of your treasured or unknown Chinese
collectible!
1pm to 4pm
Reservations Required (630-833-1616)
Regular Museum admission,
Museum Members Free.
Check Out the Museum Shop!
New merchandise is in with great gifts
for Grads, weddings and Mom’s Day!
Shop on-line: www.lizzadromuseum.org
Bolo ties are making a come-back from
TV shows like Glee to the fashion
runways and on eBay. Chicago collector
Norman L. Sandfield, presents an
illustrated talk about bolo (or bola) ties,
and his new book Native American Bolo
Ties: Vintage and Contemporary Artistry
published by the Museum of New Mexico
Press. The book accompanies the recent
opening of a major exhibition of the same
name at the Heard Museum in Phoenix,
Arizona. Sandfield will bring some of his
recently acquired fine bolo ties to display.
Wear a bolo tie for free admission to the
Museum – April 28 only.
Lecture & Book Signing – 2 p.m.
60 minutes
Reservations Recommended
Regular Museum Admission,
Museum Members Free
May 20
“Museum Day in Elmhurst”
Ride the trolley and see all four Museums
in Elmhurst. Participate in activities
and view exhibits at each Museum.
At the Lizzadro Museum see the
New Rock & Mineral
Experience and go on
a scavenger hunt
to win a prize!
1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
All Ages Welcome.
Admission is Free!
LIZZADRO MUSEUM OF LAPIDARY ART
220 Cottage Hill Ave. Elmhurst, IL 60126 • 630/833-1616
www.lizzadromuseum.org
Rock & Mineral Identification
Geologist Sara Johnson presents an
introduction to rocks and minerals.
Learn how to make a basic mineral
test kit. Hands on identification
procedures include observation skills
and hardness tests. Great for teachers
and rockhounds, this program qualifies
for a Boy & Girl Scout merit badges.
All materials are provided.
Activity – Ages 8 yrs. to Adult
75 minutes
Admission: $5.00 per person,
Museum Members $3.00
Reservations Required: (630) 833-1616
Saturday, April 14 at 10:30 a.m.
Saturday, May 12 at 10:30 a.m.
Saturday, June 9 at 10:30 a.m.
June 16
“Stone Hunt”
This hands-on activity allows children
and adults to search for gemstones and
mineral specimens among more common
rocks and minerals. Learn the difference
between rocks and minerals and how to
distinguish between them. Each rock or
mineral found is identified and can be
taken home.
Activity - Ages 5 yrs. to Adult
45 minutes - 2 p.m.
$4.00 per person, Museum Members Free
Reservations Recommended
Pick Up Your Passport
to Adventure Here!
Summer is a great time to visit the
museums in Kane and DuPage Counties.
Designed for ages 4 to 12, each site has an
activity for children to complete. Visit 7
or more sites and win a prize! The Summer
Passport program begins Memorial Day
and ends Labor Day.
We would like to hear from you. Please direct questions or comments to [email protected]
Return Service Requested
Return Service Requested
Museum Hours
Tuesday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Closed Mondays and Easter Sunday.
Group Tours
A DVD program is available to all
groups visiting the Museum for a
nominal fee. Reservations must be made.
Tours can be arranged for groups with
special interests or needs. The Museum
has facilities to provide access for
physically disabled visitors.
Admission
$4.00 Adults, $3.00 Senior Citizens,
$2.00 Students & Teenagers
$1.00 children 7 to 12 yrs.
Free for children under 7.
Friday is Free day.
Members of the Lizzadro Museum
and active members of the Armed
Forces are admitted free of charge
on any day the Museum is open
to the public.
Find us on
Visit us at lizzadromuseum.org
Check out our new website.
See our greatly expanded Gift Shop
inventory and search by stone.
Museum members can receive their
Gift Shop discount on-line. Volunteer
forms are available.
This Publication is printed
in part by a grant from the
Illinois Arts Council
,
Lizzadro Museum Programs Spring Calendar 2012