Lot 56
East Asia, China, Neolithic Period, Liangzhu Culture, 3400 to 2250 BCE. A Chinese carved jade bi-disk (or disc), colossal in scale and of a substantive girth and thickness, presenting a mesmerizing array of deep forest green, verdant grassy green, russet/chestnut brown, soft gray, and pearly white hues in the mottled nephrite (a form of jade). Custom, museum-quality stand. Size: bi disc measures 19.25" W (48.9 cm); 21.25" H (54 cm) on stand
This bi disc is characteristically round with a central aperture drilled through both sides which retains a cutting ridge on the interior wall, and presents an overall smooth finish. The fact that it is not decorated, confirms that it is from the Neolithic period; later examples such as those of the Zhou dynasties were carved with relief sculptures representing celestial deities. Bi discs were traditionally used by Shamans, the spiritual leaders and transmitters of cosmological knowledge of the Liangzhu society. Their circular form has prompted scholars to link bi discs to symbolism associated with earth and heaven. This said, no written accounts were left by Neolithic civilization. We do know, however, that bi discs were buried with the deceased as a celestial symbol that would accompany him/her to the afterlife. Beyond this, jade objects, throughout history, have signified the elite status and social rank of an individual.
A similar example, though less than half this diameter, sold for $40,000 at Christie's, New York, Lot 1449, Sale 2726, 19-20 September 2013. Follow this link for the listing: http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/lot/a-large-mottled-dark-green-jade-bi-5719765-details.aspx
And for further discussion of a similar, though much smaller example, see the Metropolitan Museum of Art's description of a ritualistic bi in their collection (accession number 1986.112) (http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/1986.112/)
Provenance: Ex-Private Maricopa County, AZ collection
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#119806
- Condition: A few losses to peripheries as shown. Rough cutting edge on interior wall of central aperture.
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| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $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 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $25,000 |