A MOULDED GOURD THUMBRING, PALACE WORKSHOPS, BEIJING QING DYNASTY, 18TH / 19TH CENTURY

of hollow cylindrical form, the straight sides moulded with four evenly spaced out circular panels enclosing the four characters zhengzhi, heping ('righteous' and 'peaceful'), all above a wan-diaper ground, the interior mounted with silver, stamped zuwen ('pure silver') and Quansheng (the maker's mark)

Apart from a few fine age cracks, the ring is in very good condition. The surface patina is very smooth. The actual size is about 40% smaller than the catalogue illustration.
"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."

Thumbrings were made in considerable quantities during the Qing dynasty, as the Manchus were keen archers and as rulers deemed it essential that the long tradition of archery continued. However, those made of moulded gourd are extremely rare, and no other example appears to be recorded. The four characters on this ring - 'righteous' and 'peaceful' - represent virtues that Manchu nobles should have.

For examples of thumbrings from the Qing court collection see nine included in the exhibition Emperor Ch'ien-lung's Grand Cultural Enterprise, National Palace Museum, Taipei, 2001, cat. no. V-36, made in various mediums including jade, precious stone and porcelain. A set of seven jade thumbrings, together with the original fitted cinnabar lacquer container was sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 27^th April 1997, lot 94, and again in these rooms, 8^th April 2007, lot 602.