This unusual antique Chinese white jade archer's ring is carved with an “Eight Horses” scene with russet color. Eight Horses is a popular Chinese art motif with the most famous paintings of eight horses by the famous Yuan Dynasty calligrapher and painter Zhao Mengfu (Chinese, 1254–1322) as well as the 18th century Italian artist, Giuseppe Castiglione, who served as an imperial painter for the Qing court. An archer's ring with carved eight horses is not commonly seen.

An archer's ring was part of the tools for shooting arrows in ancient China and dates as far back as the Warring States and was reintroduced during the Qing Dynasty by the Manchurian and became very popular among the wealthy and the military. Then, it was made in such material like jade, ivory, and other fancy materials. An archer's ring was worn on the big thumb on the right hand to protect the finger when shooting an arrow.

Archery in ancient China was considered one of the most important skills a young man must possess. More than a martial skill, it was used to elevate one's morale and deed.

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