Description:

East Asia, Northeast China, Hongshan culture, Neolithic Period, ca. 3800 to 2700 BCE. A beautiful black or very dark green hard stone disc (likely serpentine), of the form called a "bi disc," its surface carefully sculpted into narrow, curving ridges and shallow, wide valleys. Although likely not intentional, this piece resembles the spiral shell form of an ammonite. From the Neolithic period forward, bi discs were buried with the dead, often broken or placed ceremonially on the body, usually near the stomach or chest, in high status burials. Scholars also believe that they were used during life for rituals. The level of skill and artistry required to shape hardstone speaks to how highly valued this striking piece of sacred art was. Size: 2.3" in diameter x .875" H (5.8 cm x 2.2 cm)

Provenance: ex=private Ventura County, California, USA collection, purchased prior to 2000

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

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PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#154044

  • Condition: Minute nicks/chips here and there. Light encrustations/deposits on surface.

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January 9, 2022 9:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
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$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000