A WHITE JADE THUMBRING QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

the evenly white translucent stone, carved in low-relief with a continuous landscape with a crane carrying 'arrows' flying over the sea towards a pavilion with a large arrow vase filled with arrows on the balcony, inscribed on one side with shou tian hai wu (may you have a long life)

Exquisite Jade Carving, The University Museum and Art Gallery, Hong Kong, 1996, cat. no. 207B.

Hei-Chi, Jades from the Hei-Chi Collection, Beijing, 2006, p. 213.

The overall condition is very good with only a very minute nibble to the top edge. The stone is very white and even throughout with no veins or inclusions.
"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."

Further examples of rings decorated in relief with various scenes and inscription include three in the Qing Court collection and still in Beijing, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Jadeware (III), Hong Kong, 1995, pl. 187; two included in the exhibition Chinese Jades from Han to Ch'ing, Asia House Gallery, New York, 1980, cat. nos. 225-7; one in the Kirknorton collection, published in Brian Morgan, Naturalism and Archaism. Chinese Jades from the Kirknorton Collection, London, 1995, pl. 77; and a fourth example, in the British Museum, London, illustrated in Chinese Jade, London, 1995, pl. 25:37.

This type of ring is derived from the archer's ring that would have been standard equipment for the nomadic Manchus.