Archer’s thumb ring, 1662-1722
Unknown artist, Chinaexpand_more
White nephrite (jade)expand_more
Gift of Ruth and Bruce Daytonexpand_more 96.97.17
On View in Gallery 217expand_more
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. Of all literati pastimes, archery seems to have been the least practiced.
Details
- Title
- Archer’s thumb ring
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 96.97.17
- Curator Approved
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