Archer’s thumb ring, 1662-1722, 1 x 1 1/4 in. ( x cm), White nephrite (jade), China, 17th-18th century, According to Confucius, the 'six accomplishments' of a gentleman included painting, calligraphy, poetry, lute (Qin) playing, chess (Wei Qi), and archery. Derived from the functional stone thumb rings needed when drawing composite bows, jade rings like this were symbolic objects for the scholar, who valued them for their Confucian overtones and link to antiquity. The exterior of this ring is decorated with Lingzhi (fungus of immortality) and bamboo.

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Size: 3553px × 4412px
Location:
Photo credit: © Penta Springs / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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