Silver thimble decorated with the head of a Ruyi scepter which symbolizes ‘Everything you wish for will come true’. Thimbles such as the ones used in the west did not exist in China. Instead special rings like this one were used for embroidery. The ring is marked ‘Zu Wen’ (足纹) which means ‘Silver’. It dates from the late Qing (1644 – 1912) or early Republic period (1912 – 1947). Inside diameter 1.7 cm. Outside diameter 2.1 cm. Width 1.2 cm.