Ancient China Turquoise Bi Disc, Zhou Dynasty, 100-256 BC

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About the Item

This is an authentic Chinese turquoise bi disc from the dating to the Zhou dynasty (1100 BC- 256 BC) This comes from our private ancient Chinese collection which was formed from, 1990-2005. Including Certificate of Authenticity Dimensions: the disc is 3.25 inches diameter. We will include the custom display stand photographed which displays it nicely. Bi discs from this period are rare and especially those carved in turuqoise- a scarce natural resource even in China at that time. They were handmade and engraved using metal tools which were available at that time, and then hand polished. This type of disc was created for important wealthy individuals including royalty. We guarantee its authenticity. We will include: Our private collection and accompanied by our Lifetime Guarantee of Authenticity. In addition, our turquoise bi has been authenticated by Mr. Gu Fang, Senior Fellow at the Centre of Jadeology and Jade Culture in Beijing, Please see his certificate dated 1/1/07 (photo) Our gallery has been dealing in authentic Japanese , Chinese, and fine Asian art, garden ornaments, lanterns and water basins for 25 years. The president personally travels to China, Japan and Europe each year to meet his network partners who assist him in finding best examples. He personally inspects each antique work of art to ensure its old age, authenticity and quality condition. We are members of NAJGA- North American Japanese Garden Association. 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 stone tools and abrasives. It's no wonder then that jade discs "bi" represent remarkable craftsmanship. While all theories presented to date are speculative, we can forward one Based Upon the warring states text Zhou Li that bi are thought to represent symbols of heaven and were used in ancient rituals together with square tubes cong symbolizing the earth. To worship heaven with a bi explains their importance and use. Bi also symbolize status of high social rank and sheds light on why many carved jades have been found in Zhou royal tombs. They are prominently found in varied qualities, quantities and sizes. Their ritual prominence stretches from the most ancient of Chinese history- Hongshan/Liangzhou/Longshan (4700-2190 BCE)/ Qi Jia cultures and on to the Zhou dynasty (3000-250 BCE) onwards. Today bi are emblematic of power, status and privileged classes and offer more complex, varied meaning. Please refer to these excellent publications: Jessica Rawson, Chinese Jade from the Neolithic to the Qing, exhibition catalogue The British Museum, London, 1995, pp 13ff, and Section 4. And also "Radiant Stones Archaic Chinese Jades, the Myrna and Samurai Myers collection 2000 curated by Filippo Salviati, PhD, entry 14, Bi Disc.

Dimensions:
Height: 3.25 in (8.26 cm)Width: 3.25 in (8.26 cm)Depth: 0.25 in (6.35 mm)
Materials and Techniques:
Turquoise,Hand-Carved
Place of Origin:
China
Period:
15th Century and Earlier
Date of Manufacture:
1100 BC
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
South Burlington, VT
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU128926599853

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