Anneau d'archer en jade blanc et rouille sculpté Chine, dynastie Qing, marque Qianlong yuti et époque Qianlong, daté 1781

l'inclusion rouille ingénieusement sculptée pour représenter l'Empereur assis au centre sur un trône dans un pavillon à l'ombre d'un arbre, entouré de musiciens et serviteurs, au revers, un poème terminé par la marque Qianlong yuti, l'intérieur cerclé d'un anneau d'or

The ring is in good overall original condition ; it has a beautiful patina and the color of the russet parts is slightly darker than the catalogue illustration suggests.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The imperial poem incised on the present archer's ring, is titled Yu zheng yu she (An analogy on how to rule inscribed on a jade archer's ring), composed by the Qianlong Emperor. It is included in the Poetry Collection by His Majesty (Yuzhi shiji), Fourth Collection (siji), 82:30a-30b, and may be translated as

In bow and arrow, Emperor Wen
found a profound metaphor for governing
As with woods, seek those whose grain
through the heart runs straight and true.
It is also my duty alone
to look after my subjects,
So to this fine analogy I am attentive
and follow its example with respect.

Inscribed by His Majesty, Qianlong

Seal: Qian

Emperor Wen refers to Emperor Taizong of the Tang (599-649 AD), personal name Li Shimin, the second emperor of the Tang Dynasty, who reigned from 626 to 649 AD. A passage in his Zhenguan zhengyao (Essentials of Government from the Zhenguan Era), describes how as a young man he became determined to discover all the secrets of archery and attain great skill, both as a disciple in its own right and as analogue to the training of a true sovereign.