Description:

East Asia, China, Zhou Dynasty to Warring States Period, ca. 1046 to 221 BCE. A large fragment of a carved nephrite jade disc, known as a bi disc, traditionally used as a ritual funerary item. Both sides feature incised spirals and a taotie face, a mythical creature often depicted as a stylized zoomorphic mask, whose meaning is ambiguous—potentially representing gluttonous monsters with protective qualities. Despite its fragmentary state, the break line is smooth and perfectly straight. From the Neolithic period onward, bi discs were often buried with the dead, broken or ceremonially placed near the stomach or chest in high-status burials. Scholars also suggest the discs were used in life for rituals. Size: 4.2" L x 1.25" W (10.7 cm x 3.2 cm)

Provenance: private New Orleans, Louisiana, USA collection, acquired 1990s

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#189140

  • Condition: Large fragment as shown, and perhaps broken intentionally. Edge is smooth and polished with age. Some softening to carved details, but otherwise excellent.

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September 29, 2024 10:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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