JOURNAL ARTICLE

Scratching the itch: how crude backscratchers turned into decorative 'Ruyi' sceptres symbolizing authority and power in ancient China.

  • Published In: Clinical & Experimental Dermatology, 2023, v. 48, n. 9. P. 1047 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Zhu, Jie; Mueller, Simon M. 3 of 3

Abstract

Dear Editor, For millions of years, anthropoid primates were presumably affected by itch (pruritus),[1] which is currently defined as an unpleasant sensation provoking the desire to scratch.[2] Backscratchers are popular tools used to scratch itchy skin on the back not accessible by the affected individual's own hands (typically the interscapular area). Here, we present evidence illustrating the development of these -utensils from rudimentary tools to artistic, ceremonial so-called "Ruyi" sceptres, symbolizing authority and power in ancient China. Scratching the itch: how crude backscratchers turned into decorative "Ruyi" sceptres symbolizing authority and power in ancient China. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:Clinical & Experimental Dermatology. 2023/09, Vol. 48, Issue 9, p1047
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:History
  • Publication Date:2023
  • ISSN:0307-6938
  • DOI:10.1093/ced/llad163
  • Accession Number:172425548
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright of Clinical & Experimental Dermatology is the property of Oxford University Press / USA and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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