Lot 162b, Auction 4/3/2026: Exhibited Chinese Neolithic Liangzhu Jade Bi Disc

$2,600.00

In stock

East Asia, China, Neolithic Period, Liangzhu culture, ca. 3400 to 2250 BCE. A carved stone bi-disc, meticulously hand-carved from a mesmerizing verdant green nephrite jade with natural grey, sage, and spring green inclusions. This bi disc is characteristically round with a wide central aperture drilled through both sides which retains some faint cutting marks on the interior rim as well as distinct sawing ridge to one side. The edge to the other side is slightly weathered and was probably polished with a deliberate slope . The fact that the disc is undecorated confirms that it is from the Neolithic period; later examples, such as those of the Zhou Dynasties were carved with relief sculptures representing celestial deities. Size: .5″ L x 10.7″ W (1.3 cm x 27.2 cm)

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.

Condition: Intact and quite excellent with minute chips to a few areas of the rim mentioned for accuracy.

Provenance: private Orlando, Florida, USA collection, acquired in Southern Florida, USA, 1993 – 1997, collection exhibited at Rollins Museum of Art (formerly Cornell Fine Arts Museum) at Rollins College, Winter Park, Florida, USA, in 1997

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