East Asia, China, Shang Dynasty, ca. 1558 to 1046 BCE. A petite ritual funerary item known as a bi disc that is hand-carved from mottled nephrite jade in hues of green, beige, citrine, and brown. The discoid implement features distinctly sharp edges and a biconically drilled center. From the Neolithic period forward, bi discs were buried with the dead, often broken or placed ceremonially on the body, usually near the stomach or chest, in high status burials. Scholars also believe that they were used during life for rituals. Size: 0.5" L x 6.2" W (1.3 cm x 15.7 cm)

Provenance: private New Jersey, USA collection; ex-Arts du Monde, New York, New York, USA, 1990s

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#180193

Minor nicks and abrasions, otherwise intact and excellent. Great surface smoothness throughout.