18th C. Mughal Walrus Tooth Archer Ring

South Asia, India, Mughal, 18th century CE. An archer's thumb ring carved from walrus tooth in the form of a magnificent falcon with ruby inlays set in gold bezels for eyes, a pointy beak delineated between them, and incised folded wings tracing the contours of the bird's body. An archer’s ring is worn on the thumb of the archer's stronger hand, the hand that pulls the bowstring, with its tab or tongue fitted over the pad of the thumb. Not only does it protect the thumb, it also allows for a more precise release of the bowstring. A precious example that could be worn on the thumb as intended or suspended from a chain as a pendant. Size: 1.75" L x 1.125" W (4.4 cm x 2.9 cm); US ring size: 9.

This piece is similar to one of two Indian archer rings sold at Christie's London, Arts of India Sale - 23 September 2005, Lot 105 for 19,200 GBP ($23,895).

Provenance: private Toronto, Ontario, Canada collection

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#149416
Condition Report: Intact. Superb save slight age wear. Strand in images is for photographic purposes only.