A rather small Bi-disk
A small carved brown disk made of unidentified stone, possibly jade. finely carved on the front, some ancient Chinese characters at the bottom side. Excellent condition. From a private collection.
diam: 8 cm , thickness : 1 cm
Secondhand Store
Yes
Dear Vincent,
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Based on the images and available information, this item is:
A Western Han dynasty Jade Bi (璧) disk, with designs. The bi is a type of circular ancient Chinese jade artifact. The earliest bi were produced in the Neolithic period, particularly by the Liangzhu culture (3400–2250 BCE).[1] Later examples date mainly from the Shang, Zhou and Han dynasties. They were also made in glass bust most of all out of jade.
It is found that these objects testify to early stages of development of cosmological concepts that remained important in Chinese culture during the Warring States and Han periods: the notion of a covering sky (gaitian) that revolves around a central axis, the cycle of the Ten Suns, and the use of an early form of the carpenter's square.
Retail prices may vary.
Very good condition.
