19TH CENTURY JADE ARCHER'S RING WITH TAOTIE CARVING

Description

DESCRIPTION:
Chinese men of social station, such as the literati and the officialdom of China, would wear these jade cylinder thumb rings (or archer's rings) on their thumbs. They are said to have evolved from the very early devices used to bring the bow string back and release so that it would not tear the thumb of the archer. By the time of the Song and Ming Dynasties the thumb rings had devolved to the point of being simply beautiful cylinders of jade or other materials that, when worn, were a statement of the individual's higher rank. The thumb ring is an excellent way to express privilege because with one of these thumb rings on it is almost impossible to do any sort of real work with the hands. They make all things rather clumsy, but they do certainly express the privilege of the individual wearing them.
It’s surprising that an item as small and plain as a cylindrical thumb ring can provide so much opportunity for artistry. Much of the enjoyment of these rings comes from the materials they are made of. But as archer’s rings became more ornamental and less practical, the materials that could be used expanded greatly. In this way they are very similar to Chinese snuff bottles, and many of the same materials were used.
This amazing thumb ring is carved from nepherite jade.  The design is of a Taotie, wonderfully incised in the Han Dynasty tradition.  The condition is old, but perfect.
Measures aproximately 1" Wide
28 Grams
Sotheby's Past Auction Example:
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
Jackson's On Main sells high quality art and antiquities at excellent prices from both our extensive collection and from the private collections of our clients and various estates.
Due to prior negative experiences, we reserve the right to cancel any bids from bidders with hidden feedback ratings. Please DO NOT BID if you have a private feedback rating.
SHIPPING & PAYMENT INFORMATION:
ALL items are packed and shipped with utmost care.
WE SHIP VIA U.P.S. U.S.P.S OR FED-EX.
Buyer is responsible for shipping and handling costs as stated in the auction unless 'FREE SHIPPING' is indicated.
Insurance is included in any shipping costs/quotes.
Payment by
PAYPAL
please
Bill Jackson
Jackson's On Main
209 West Main Street
Mount Sterling, KY 40353
United States
QUESTIONS:
Feel free to contact us with any questions.
If you have questions about a specific auction please contact us 24 hours before the auction ends,
so we can reply in before the auction ends.
We appreciate your interest in, and attention to, our auctions, but PLEASE, if you are not satisfied with the auction description, or our response to a question, we would rather you NOT BID than be disappointed with the product received.
Jackson's On Main History:
Our business was established in 1966 by Claude and William Jackson, father and son, in Hollywood, California. Claude Jackson (now deceased) was a well known West Coast artist who executed numerous fine works many depicting the great movie stars of early Hollywood. Several of his works have been published and those originals now reside in the collections of various noted individuals and institutions. Most notable probably is his depiction of Marilyn Monroe in his 'Red Kimono', 1975, published as the centerfold in Roger Taylor's anthology
Marilyn in Art
(1984). For years we operated as a mail order fine art distribution firm selling posters and other contemporary multiples. As time passed we diversified and grew and now we maintain a 3,000 square foot full service walk-in art and antique Gallery in Mt. Sterling, Kentucky. We are fully staffed and equipped to provide prompt professional service and we guarantee ALL sales to be as described. We also are always interested in purchasing quality art works and we pay top dollar. If we can't buy it we will gladly consign it and work diligently for you to insure a prompt and fair sale. Please send pictures for quotes. In the meanwhile, Bid with confidence! We guarantee your full satisfaction with every sale.
Bill and Donna Jackson
Owners
_____________________________________________
RETURN POLICY:
Jackson's On Main fully guarantees your satisfaction with each and every purchase. Please view our Feedback rating and comments. Upon receipt of your item if you are dissatisfied for ANY reason please return it within 14 days in the same condition in which it was sold for a full 'no questions asked' refund. Buyer pays return shipping.
International Buyers – Please Note:
Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility.
Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding or buying.
wfj943
Powered by
eBay Turbo Lister
The free listing tool. List your items fast and easy and manage your active items.
Powered by
eBay Turbo Lister
The free listing tool. List your items fast and easy and manage your active items.
Powered by
eBay Turbo Lister
The free listing tool. List your items fast and easy and manage your active items.
Powered by
eBay Turbo Lister
The free listing tool. List your items fast and easy and manage your active items.