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country of origin Thumb-Ring Pouch Embroidery on silk, 18th-19th century Qing dynasty 10"(h) x 2 3/4"(w) x 1/2" (dia)00000000011 Gift of Mrs. Myrtle Shepherd Francis 1951:15.29

The custom of carrying a small bag was recorded during the Han dynasty in The Book of Rites, which instructs that a man should carry in a small bag knives, whetstones, knot-openers, and flints. A woman should carry in an embroidered bag sewing implements such as needles and thread.

Embroidered bags, hung from the waist, were very popular during the Qing dynasty. Both young men and women wore scent bags to show respect for their elders. If a man forgot to wear a scent bag in the summer, he was considered to be unkempt.

This particular bag was used to hold thumb-rings. During the Qing dynasty, rings were worn on both thumbs. Traditionally the rings had been used by archers to protect their thumbs as they drew their bows. By the Qing dynasty, they were purely decorative accessories. The Manchus often carried extra rings in specially designed pouches, such as this one. The pouch was usually attached to the belt as a decorative pendant.

This pouch is shaped after an ancient bronze vessel known as a ding. The Yin and Yang motif is rendered in metallic thread, couching stitch embroidery.

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