Skip to main content
Video Loading
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 17

Archaic Jade Bi, Zhou Dynasty

$11,250
£8,601.22
€9,906.87
CA$15,764.70
A$17,599.80
CHF 9,222.03
MX$215,438.88
NOK 117,119.91
SEK 110,429.20
DKK 73,936.01

About the Item

Translucent green and brown jade Bi from the Zhou Dynasty (1046 B.C. to 256 B.C.). The organic shapes created by the blending of these two main colors evoke a flame-like beauty, while the occasional flares of white give the piece energy and motion. Due to its complex mineralogical composition, jade is not a "dead" stone, but a material which is alive, and whose structure changes over time. Jade interacts and reacts to light, air, water, fire, and the acidity of soil. One of the most common forms of alteration which takes place over a prolonged period of time is the "rust" effect, caused by the oxidization of the iron contained in the stone and contact with water, which may percolate inside the jade through natural fractures and fissures of the stone, as seen with this Bi. Whitening is another common alteration jade experiences over time, and this can also be seen in the piece. In ancient China, the circular Bi and the rectangular Cong were the the essential ritual objects, with the Bi representing Heaven and the Cong, the square Earth. They may have played a significant role in representing the authority and power of their owners. This Bi is in excellent condition with only two tiny chips at the edge and a few small light scratches. Note: When the sun shines directly through the Bi, it appears nearly orange in color (as seen in the last picture). When displayed away from direct sunlight, it retains a more classic jade green color.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 0.2 in (5.08 mm)Diameter: 7.88 in (20.02 cm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1046 B.C. to 256 B.C.
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Atlanta, GA
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 0171stDibs: LU7220229978342

More From This Seller

View All
Archaic Jade Bi, Liangzhu Period
Located in Atlanta, GA
Museum-quality Chinese jade Bi from the Liangzhu period (3300-2200 BC). For the Liangzhu, jade was the primary material through which the secular and religious...
Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antiquities

Materials

Jade

Six Dynasties Jade Mythological Beast
Located in Atlanta, GA
Auspicious beast carved in green jade, Six Dynasties period (220 to 589 A.D.). The Sixth Dynasties, the period immediately following the Han Dynasty, saw a shift from a profound be...
Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Chinese Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Jade

Ming Jarlet with Green Glaze
Located in Atlanta, GA
Small Ming pottery jarlet with handles and a green glaze. 16th century. This charming, somewhat rustic piece is like a miniature version of the large earthenware jars used to store ...
Category

Antique 16th Century Chinese Ceramics

Materials

Pottery

16th Century Chinese Pottery Figure
Located in Atlanta, GA
Ming dynasty pottery figure of a standing woman, likely from the Suzhou region. This is a small figure with a lot of personality, rendered in crea...
Category

Antique 16th Century Chinese Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

12th Century Song Jarlet with Deep Brown Glaze
Located in Atlanta, GA
Song jarlet with deep brown glaze, 12th century. This small piece is all about purity of form, enhanced by the rich color of its glaze, which has a subtle crackle. The glaze, which covers almost the entire piece except for the very edge of its foot, looks like melted chocolate poured over...
Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Chinese Ceramics

Materials

Pottery

Blue-Glazed Porcelain Box from Hatcher Collection
Located in Atlanta, GA
17th century Chinese porcelain blue-glazed circular pill box from the Hatcher Collection, painted in different tones of blue with a central prunus flower on a wave pattern ground tha...
Category

Antique 17th Century Chinese Ceramics

Materials

Porcelain

You May Also Like

Chinese Jade Bi With Beautiful Green Clouds Translucent Colors
Located in South Burlington, VT
An attractive Chinese Heavenly green jade Bi disk with beautiful translucent "cloud bands" patterns of light and medium green horizontal accents in the stone that depict appealing movements. This comes from our private collection which we formed over a period of twenty years while traveling extensively through out all of China. Dimensions: bi disc is 7 inches high with custom stand as shown Jades were handmade and hand abraided and hand polished using tools of the time: bamboo, stone, water and stone dust . Notice the considerable calcification on the bottom edge of this example- evidence of submersion and great age. Provenance: Our private collection and accompanied by our Schneible fine arts Lifetime Guarantee of Authenticity. Jade bi and Cong History These bi are regarded as cosmological symbols and as signifiers of status and wealth. These jades are hand abraided and hand polished using special polishing tools with stone, water. Notice the beautiful colors and "waves" pattern in the stone, uncommon in this kind of jade. Provenance: Our private collection and accompanied by our Lifetime Guarantee of Authenticity. Early History: Flat jade discs with a round central hole bi are among the earliest surviving artifacts of China and must be considered among great ancient art forms- masterpieces of the Neolithic period. Nephrite jade from which discs were fashioned is a prime hard and strong stone, arduous to work by hand using Primitive...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Jade

Vintage Chinese Jade Nephrite Bi
Located in Pomona, CA
This Nephrite Bi has hand carved pearls on both sides. Very detailed carving works and beautiful hand crafting tectonics. Overall it is in very good antique conditions with some norm...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Jade

Chinese Hetian Jade Archers Ring
Located in Bradenton, FL
Nicely colored jade Chinese archer ring that feel oh-so-soft, heavy and cold to the touch. Jade archer rings with very soft hand polished finish that ...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Scholar's Objects

Materials

Jade

Chinese Jade Pendant
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Nicely carved Jade pendant. Weight: 29.13 grams. Jewelry / Necklace.
Category

Vintage 1970s Chinese Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Jade

Probably Chinese Jade Stamp, 18th-19th Century
Located in Aalsgaarde, DK
Probably Chinese jade stamp, 18th-19th century.
Category

Antique 18th Century Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Jade

Chinese Old Set Three Hand made Jade Bi, Private Collection
Located in South Burlington, VT
This is a grouping of three (3) authentic Chinese old jade bi disc from the 20th century. These come from our private collection. Including Our Certificate of Authenticity Dimensi...
Category

20th Century Chinese Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Jade