East Asia, China, Neolithic Period, Liangzhu culture, ca. 3400 to 2250 BCE. A beautiful bi disc of a sizable form, hand-carved from mottled and finely polished nephrite of a sage green color with beige, citrine, and dark green inclusions. This bi disc is characteristically round with a wide central aperture drilled through one side that retains some traces of cutting marks on the interior. The fact that this disc is undecorated confirms that it is from the Neolithic period; later examples, such as those from the Zhou Dynasties were carved with relief sculptures representing celestial deities. Size: 19" Diameter (48.3 cm); 21" H (53.3 cm) on included custom stand.
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 into the afterlife.
Provenance: ex-private G. Windfelder collection, Germany, acquired in the 1980s
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#153168
Condition
Minor nicks and abrasions to exterior peripheries, faces, and interior surfaces, otherwise intact and near choice. Great polished surfaces throughout.