{"product_id":"brass-archer-s-thumb-ring-with-engraved-motifs-central-asian-persian-tradition","title":"Brass Archer’s Thumb Ring with Engraved Motifs | Central Asian\/Persian Tradition | Circa 17th–19th Century","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"230\" data-end=\"411\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"230\" data-end=\"261\"\u003eHistorical Context \u0026amp; Origin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"230\" data-end=\"411\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e Central Asia \/ Persian Cultural Sphere\u003cbr data-start=\"310\" data-end=\"313\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cast brass or copper-alloy with natural aged patina\u003cbr data-start=\"374\" data-end=\"377\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePeriod: \u003c\/strong\u003eCirca 17th–19th Century CE\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"413\" data-end=\"1226\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"413\" data-end=\"428\"\u003eDescription\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"413\" data-end=\"1226\"\u003eThis unusually large and sculptural brass piece is an archer’s thumb ring, traditionally used across Central Asia and Persia by mounted archers employing the “Mongolian draw.” Unlike a standard finger ring, the broad flared lip and expanded face were engineered to protect the archer’s thumb from the intense tension and release of the bowstring.\u003cbr data-start=\"777\" data-end=\"780\"\u003eThe exterior preserves hand-engraved vegetal and abstract motifs, softened by centuries of wear and exhibiting deep green oxidation in recessed areas. Its rich olive-brown patina, smoothened surfaces, and natural textural aging are fully consistent with prolonged use and long-term burial or storage.\u003cbr data-start=\"1080\" data-end=\"1083\"\u003eThis example is particularly striking, rising into a pointed shield-like form that blends martial functionality with bold, sculptural presence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1228\" data-end=\"1242\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1228\" data-end=\"1240\"\u003eFeatures\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1245\" data-end=\"1315\"\u003e- Large protective lip typical of traditional thumb-draw archery rings\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1318\" data-end=\"1368\"\u003e- Hand-engraved designs with age-darkened recesses\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1371\" data-end=\"1403\"\u003e- Thick, heavy cast construction\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1406\" data-end=\"1465\"\u003e- Beautiful natural patina ranging from olive to deep brown\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1468\" data-end=\"1543\"\u003e- Impressive display presence with strong cultural and historical character\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1545\" data-end=\"2013\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1545\" data-end=\"1570\"\u003eCultural Significance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1545\" data-end=\"2013\"\u003eThumb rings were essential tools for traditional archers across the Near East and Central Asia, where mounted cavalry and elite bowmanship shaped warfare for centuries. These rings served as both functional equipment and symbols of rank or martial skill. Many were finely decorated, merging artistry with purpose.\u003cbr data-start=\"1886\" data-end=\"1889\"\u003eToday, they are treasured as weapons-related artifacts and sculptural objects that embody a long-standing martial tradition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2015\" data-end=\"2174\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2015\" data-end=\"2028\"\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2015\" data-end=\"2174\"\u003eGood archaeological condition with expected surface wear, patination, and minor edge softening consistent with age. No modern repairs observed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2176\" data-end=\"2275\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2176\" data-end=\"2204\"\u003eDimensions (Approximate)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2176\" data-end=\"2275\"\u003eUS ring size: 17\u003cbr data-start=\"2242\" data-end=\"2245\"\u003eWidth at lip: 1.4 in\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2277\" data-end=\"2313\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2277\" data-end=\"2284\"\u003eAge \u003cstrong data-start=\"2176\" data-end=\"2204\"\u003e(Approximate)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2277\" data-end=\"2313\"\u003e125–425 years old\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLearn More\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExplore Persian art and culture through \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.getty.edu\/art\/exhibitions\/persia\/explore.html\" title=\"Persian Art \u0026amp; Central Asian Cultural History – Getty Museum Exhibition\"\u003eThe Getty Museum\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBrowse our curated \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/relicandrarity.com\/collections\/ancient-rings-jewelry-historic-relics\" title=\"Ancient Rings, Thumb Rings \u0026amp; Historic Jewelry for Sale – Relic And Rarity Collection\"\u003eAncient Rings \u0026amp; Historic Jewelry Collection\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Relic and Rarity","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51599067054402,"sku":null,"price":350.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0955\/1803\/2194\/files\/Brass_archer_s_thumb_ring.png?v=1764361743","url":"https:\/\/relicandrarity.com\/products\/brass-archer-s-thumb-ring-with-engraved-motifs-central-asian-persian-tradition","provider":"Relic and Rarity","version":"1.0","type":"link"}