Archer's rings or thumb rings (Banzhi) were used in China for thousands of years and were originally used to pull back the string of a bow. During the Qing dynasty (1644 - 1912) these rings became a status symbol of the scholar-gentlemen, of officials and of the wealthy. They were worn on the thumb and were produced in a great variety of materials. This particular archer's ring is undecorated but has a very nice creamy brown colour. It dates from the end of the Qing period and was found in Hong Kong in the 1990's. Diameter 2.9 cm. Height 2.2 cm.