East Asia, China, Neolithic Period, Liangzhu culture, ca. 3400 to 2250 BCE. A Chinese carved stone bi-disc, meticulously hand-carved from a mesmerizing verdant green stone 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, and presents an overall smooth finish. 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. Custom museum-quality display stand included. Size: 15.625" Diameter (39.7 cm); 22.625" H (57.5 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: private East Coast, USA collection

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#140462

Minor abrasions across most surfaces and some very minor nicks to interior and exterior rims, otherwise intact and near-choice.