The ruyi scepters made of wood and bamboo were very popular in the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911), and primarily for enjoyment. Some were made by taking naturally strange tree roots and slightly modifying to create scepters of various shapes. Some were inserted in vases, creating a pun meaning "be safe" and "as you wish". Some were placed on tables for people to appreciate their elegance and vividness. In the early and middle periods of the Qing dynasty (eighteenth century), influenced by imperial enthusiasm, wood and bamboo pieces became all the rage in the court. The materials used for ruyi scepters include red sandalwood, boxwood, ebony, sandalwood and eaglewood. The bamboo pieces were made of root, bamboo veneer or decorated with bamboo strips. In addition there were wood and bamboo ruyi scepters with decorations of gold and semi-precious gem stones which displayed the imperial family's splendor.
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