Carved amethyst ‘Poem’ archer's ring, Qing dynasty

A beautifully carved amethyst ring (板指) with a deep purple hue and a translucent finish. It has a circular body with a rounded upper rim and a long incised poem decorating the outer perimeter. 

Rings of this type are placed on the thumb of the right hand to hook the string when archery is practised. Over time they have become more decorative than functional. During the Qing dynasty they became very popular. Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) or later. 

Height: 2.3 cm; Diameter: 3.5 cm (approx.)

Weight: 32 g