A FINE ORNAMENTAL BI DISC WITH CARVED PHOENIXES ON THE SIDES

Jade. China, Western Han dynasty, 2nd - 1st century BC
雙鳳穀紋玉璧 - 西漢代早期, 公元前2世紀-前1世紀

Diameter: 7.9 cm
直徑 7.9 厘米

This fine ornamental bi璧disc is covered with a pattern of curls and embraced by beautifully carved phoenixes on the sides. In style, material and workmanship it is very similar to the disc with phoenixes on the top, JAK917-040, in this auction.

The pattern of raised curls that covers both sides is delimited by plain bands around the inner and outer rims. The two phoenixes are carved in the same elegant posture at opposite points of the disc. The tips of their long crests and tails touch the border of the disc. Various volutes protrude from the bodies of the phoenixes, whose heads are turned back towards a curled volute. Numerous cut-outs help to distinguish the various elements of the design and give an additional lightness to the already delicate pattern.

The heavy calcification confers a chalky cream colour to the jade, which is also covered by a light brown patina.

Literature comparison/Archaeological sites: A disc published in F. Salviati, 4000 Years of Chinese Archaic Jades, Edition Zacke, Vienna 2017, no.337 has two phoenixes carved on the side in a same position. See also a disc with two long-tailed phoenixes decorated on the border in the Freer/Sackler Galleries, Washington, D.C., (accession number F1916.154).

Expertise: Prof. Dr. Filippo Salviati

From an Austrian collection
奧地利老佔有

All jades in this catalogue have been professionally examined, authenticated and described by Prof. Fillipo Salviati. Professor Salviati teaches Chinese and Korean art at Sapienza University in Rome, in the Italian Institute of Oriental Studies. He is a world expert on archaic Chinese jades, having released multiple publications and being cited by renowned auction houses such as Sotheby’s.