East Asia, China, Neolithic Period, Liangzhu culture, ca. 3200 to 1800 BCE. A fabulous Chinese bi disc, meticulously hand-carved from a mesmerizing blue-turquoise nephrite with natural sage, tan, and dark-grey inclusions. The bi disc is characteristically round with a wide central aperture drilled evenly through both sides which still retain some very faint cutting marks along the interior rim, and presents an overall smooth finish. The disc bears a nicely rounded exterior rim, and the thinness indicates this disc came from a slab of nephrite used to create several similarly-shaped discs. 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. Custom museum-quality display stand included. Size: 11.75" Diameter (29.5 cm); 18" H (45.7 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: From the Estate of Charles Battaglini, Indiana Pa. Charles Battaglini's partner (Ming, Chen, Chien Ming “Jimmy” Su (Taiwanese Chinese, 1962-2017), was a Chinese National and would have been involved in the purchase of these Bi Discs. Includes custom stand

in good condition. Merchandise will be packed and transported by the purchaser at their own risk and expense. A current list of shippers is listed on our website www.conceptgallery.com under “Auctions” / “Shipping” tab.