Antique Carved Jade Bi Disc Pendant with Gold Chain Certified Untreated

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Antique Carved Jade Bi Disc Pendant with Gold Chain Certified Untreated

About the Item

What is being said in the geometric language we see so precisely inscribed into the surface of this jade bi disc? Look closely and you will see the enduring tool marks: shaggy grooves made by a stick of bamboo that had been first dipped into a paste of garnet dust and water and then pressed scratched against the hard jade stone, over and over, deeper and deeper, carving this deep forest-green natural nephrite disc one impossibly tiny and almost immeasurable amount at a time. Over and over, somebody used just a tool made from bamboo and the dust of hard minerals to create a pattern of such intricacy it resembles a circuit board; such delicacy it puts lace to shame. The lines are expressive and not rudimentary; they are filled with energy and life. When I sidelight the piece and the tool marks are even more evident, I have a visual sense of motion, as though the lapidary artist has carved waves. The motif is suggestive of six Chinese knots (中国结) with a rhombus in the center of each. The history of Chinese knotting dates back to 618CE to the Tang Dynasty and continues to this day. Although there are many different specific knots, each with its own meaning or symbolism associated with it, Chinese knots are often based on a pair of cords or lines entering from the top and exiting below, which reflects the design we see here. This bi (or pi) disc is mysterious and ethereal yet it is also profoundly solid and substantive. It possesses innate importance; this particular piece of nephrite jade —a rich, almost emerald-green but darker and without a yellow taint— was deemed fine enough for the creation of this artwork. And what a spectacular work of art it is: not a mere disc but a pillowy disc, slightly convex on both sides instead of flat. Carved identically on both sides. It possesses its original polish and has been freshly waxed. Jade such as this looks its best waxed. Modern jade, polished with diamond-paste and rotary tools, possesses a piano-like shine. Old, hand-carved and polished jade such as this disc has a softer finish that responds beautifully to a light, natural waxing and -hand-buffing. Of course, dish detergent and a toothbrush will remove the wax if you prefer. Wax is not a "jade treatment" that harms the stone, penetrates it, or has a permanent effect. The disc itself measures just under 22mm in diameter and is 4.79mm thick. It weighs 4.50 grams without the chain and 7.70 with it. The solid 18k yellow gold chain is new, made in Italy, 24" in length, and 1.3mm thick. This exceptionally fine antique carved bi disc was most likely created in the late 1800s or early 1900s. It is a rare and profoundly beautiful object. You will love the way it feels around your neck, suspended on this weighty gold chain. A treasure to join you on your journey through life. Note: the last image is black-and-white to help you better see the geometric pattern carved into the jade disc.