Catalogue entry no. 451 by Max Loehr:
451 Archer’s Ring
Dark olive-green jade with cream-colored streaks. The ring, the perforation of which is oval rather than circular, is flat on top. At the front, the lower edge widens in a descending curve, while at the back it descends only slightly to form an obtuse angle. The body of the ring is thicker at the back and front than at the sides. The back, moreover, is strengthened by its angular shape and the oblique spur at one corner. Running across the back to this spur is a horizontally drilled tunnel through which a thin cord could pass; according to Laufer this cord enabled the ring to be tied tautly to the wearer’s thumb.
On the outside, the ring is decorated with broad spirals in low relief, bordered by a band of oblique striae. Spirals are incised on the inner face of the “shield,” while the lower edge of the back and the spur again have spirals in relief. Late Eastern Chou.
