Lot 260: AN OTTOMAN GOLD-INLAID STEEL ARCHERY THUMB RING WITH BIRD MOTIFS, 18TH CENTURY

An Ottoman archery thumb ring, or zihgir, fashioned from forged steel with elaborate gold damascened decoration. The object follows the traditional teardrop profile, featuring a prominent pointed extension to shield the thumb during the release of a bowstring. The exterior surface is covered in dense gold-inlaid foliate and floral scrolls. Near the apex of the ring, two birds are depicted facing one another in a symmetrical arrangement. A calligraphic inscription in Arabic or Ottoman Turkish script follows the upper curved edge; these characters are highly and are not legible as a specific name or text.

L: 5.5cm