Limited Edition Carved Items

Limited Edition Carved Items

Aroundsquare's collection of carved goods have been over a year in the making. We began with a carved dragon boss bead and a matching banzhi thumb ring, then adding a carved snake boss bead and matching knucklebone. These exquisite pieces are custom-made and feature commissioned artwork created specifically for the project. The collection's production process combines precision machining with meticulous hand-carving, creating depth and detail in each piece. We are confident that anyone who picks up one of these pieces will be very pleased with their utter uniqueness, their playability, and their eye-catching designs.

Brass Snake Knucklebones

Our Brass Snake Knucklebones are a fresh take on our conventional, minimalist knucklebones, and are unlike anything we've ever offered. Inspired by the Year of the Snake, these knucklebones feature a meticulously carved snake motif, artfully coiled around the ends, crafted from solid brass. The delicate snake shape and scales not only give them a bold and unique appearance, but also provide exceptional grip without sharp edges or hot spots. Despite their weight, their textured surface makes them easy to maneuver and surprisingly fun.

19mm Carved Beads

Creating detailed artwork on small beads is no easy task, and for this project we wanted a substantial canvas to showcase the engraving, upgrading from our previous largest 17mm raised beads to a massive 19mm solid bead.The custom patterns come in two designs: a dragon soaring through the clouds or a coiled serpent, each embellished with the intricate Aroundsquare wordmark. Designed to make a statement, these beads are striking not only in appearance but also in practical use. You'll immediately feel their weight (the 19mm brass beads are quite substantial), and you'll notice how they shift the balance of any set. Beyond their heft, the engraving enhances their grip, making them ideal for direct manipulation via the boss bead on wood or polymer sets, and for the first time, on many of our metal sets. 

• Size : 19mm, bore 3.5mm 
• Weight : Approx. 28g

Check out our new Snake creations in our August 2025 release video!

Dragon Carved Banzhis

Even beyond appearance, our Brass Dragon Carved Banzhi is truly remarkable the moment you first touch it. The deeply carved image depicts a majestic dragon soaring through the clouds, and our logo is prominently displayed in the form of a seal. The extraordinary weight of the banzhi, the deep and detailed carving, and the sleek, rounded shape create a truly stunning effect. Simply admire it, no further explanation needed. 

• Sizes : 20.5mm, 21.5mm and 22.5mm (inner diameter)
• The thickness is about 5mm, which means the overall diameter will be about 10mm wider than the inner diameter
• The height is approximately 18mm, much taller than ordinary rings
• Weight : ~45.5g-48g (depending on size)
• NOTE: Due to the wider shape and overall thickness of the plate rings, they will feel quite prominent on the thumb compared to regular rings, so if you are unsure whether to size up or down, it is recommended that you go for the larger size.
• Please do your homework and make sure you purchase the correct size. Brand new items can be exchanged, but the return shipping costs are the customer's responsibility.

See below for more general information about half rings. 

For anyone interested in the full narrative and striking visuals of these beauties, check out this preview video from April 2025:

General Information About Half Rings 

Instruments of war rarely become pieces of jewelry, but the history of the thumb ring has certainly been just that. The thumb ring, also known as the Chinese archer's ring, is typically a thickened cylindrical ring worn on the thumb in its modern form. The history of the thumb ring dates back thousands of years, when archery practiced with wide thumb rings to protect the thumb from the intense pull of the bowstring. By the 19th century, as archery's importance as a military skill waned, more stylish and decorative thumb rings became popular. These were often made of jade, horn, or other semi-precious materials. As we do, Aroundsquare's thumb rings aim to honor and continue this tradition today, with a clean, minimalist design crafted from high-quality modern materials. 

The thumb ring is designed to be worn and appreciated for its inherent qualities, not to be tinkered with. Basic ring manipulations can be performed with them, but they're best achieved when performed discreetly, and they're actually quite effective for breathing and mindfulness practices (see this month's drop preview video for details). The volume and rounded shape of the ring control make it very comfortable to hold in the hand, and for those who are used to carrying around flips and tricks, you might find that carrying something like this around regularly is enough.