**First Time At Auction**

East Asia, China, Neolithic, ca. 3800 to 2700 BCE. Finely carved from a black stone with wonderful white and grey inclusions, as well as attractive root marks, a bi disc of remarkably thin walls and protruding borders surrounding both faces of the central aperture. The fact that this disc is not decorated, 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. 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 to the afterlife. Size: 4.25" in diameter (10.8 cm); opening measures 2.125" W (5.4 cm); 5" H (12.7 cm) on included custom stand.

This disk is made from a form of Yu. Yu, the Chinese word for jade and other hard stones, is also an idea - of a steadfastness, and reliability, mirrored in the abrasion techniques required to make this intricate work of art. Yu is also not bound by the mineralogical definition of jade - over the millennia that it has been carved in China, people have had varying access to sources of jade and nephrite - but is rather a wider term for hard stone.

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. In addition, scholars believe that they were also used in life for rituals. The level of craftsmanship exhibited in this piece speaks to how highly valued this striking piece of sacred art was.

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection

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#137708

Minor scuffs/scratches to the surface. Tiny, nearly imperceptible nick to edge of one protruding border around the central aperture. Inventory label on ring facing opening. Nice root marks.