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A CHENXIANGMU 'BATS' THUMB RING Qing Dynasty
Sold for £1,280 inc. premium
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A CHENXIANGMU 'BATS' THUMB RING
Intricately carved around the exterior with a band of auspicious bats carrying various attributes such as double-coins, peaches, or chimes, amidst ruyi clouds, all between two bands of florets. 3.4cm (1 5/8in) diam.
Footnotes
清 蝙蝠如意紋沉香木扳指
Chenxiangmu (沉香木) thumb rings from the Qing dynasty are highly prized objects, crafted from a rare and aromatic wood that was valued for its fragrance and medicinal properties. Thumb or archer rings, or shezhihuan (射指环), were traditionally worn by Manchu archers to protect their thumbs when drawing a bowstring. During the Qing period, these rings evolved beyond their practical use into symbols of status and refinement. Made from a variety of materials, including jade, ivory, and chenxiangmu, they were often intricately carved with auspicious motifs or personalized inscriptions. The present lot has bats, a homophone for 'good fortune', and they carry peaches (symbols of longevity), chimes (symbolising good fortune and peace), and cash coins (symbols of wealth).


