19th Century Chinese Jade Bi Disc

Found in the tombs of ancient Chinese emperors and aristocrats, bi discs such as this have a mysterious and spiritual history, and their function and significance remain uncertain. T...

This round stone disc originated as an early 20th-century threshing wheel. Secured to a wooden axel that ran through the center, the stone was rolled across...

This round stone disc originated as an early 20th-century threshing wheel. Secured to a wooden axel that ran through the center, the stone was rolled across...

This 18th-century carved wooden figure likely depicts the Jade Emperor, the supreme monarch of heaven and earth in Chinese folklore and Taoist mythology. Ruler of all deities and ben...

This ancient stone guardian lion shizi was carved by hand out of a single block of limestone. The artisan beckoned the guardian out from the stone, manipulating the unyielding materi...

This pair of 19th century carved limestone Fu dogs with sinister smiles and furled brows once guarded the entrance to one of provincial China's grand homes. One peers up and the othe...

An attractive Chinese Heavenly jade Bi disk carved in a rarely found black jade with patches of blue and brown accents in the stone that depict an earthy ancient feel . 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 5 inches high with custom stand as shown; bi disc only is 4 inches diameter 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 good 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...

A charming near pair of Chinese green glazed foo lion joss stick holders, late 19th century, China. The delightful foo lions, also referred to as foo dogs, crafted as joss (incens...

The Bi was a traditional ceremonial scepter used by the Chinese Emperors to connect with the Heavenly Gods. A symbol of unity and holistic harmony, it was used in ancient celestial c...

A fantastic Chinese cast bronze censer in the form of two Buddhistic lions play fighting, late Qing Dynasty, late 19th century, China. The censer formed as a pair of Buddhistic li...

The charming figure done completely in the lost wax method is in a primitive naive style. The male figure is dancing excitedly on a rocky outcrop. His costume of a loose-fitting coat...

This carved Nephrite Jade plaque of a mythical best has the attributes of a dragon and a fish leaping from the water. Carved we believe in the late 18th or early 19th century to be u...