Carved jade disc ‘Bi’, Warring States period

Ritual jade disc ‘Bi’ (璧), pale celadon green in colour, but almost entirely covered by a dense patina of earthy alteration in ochre and white tones. The decoration, characteristic of the period, is arranged in concentric bands. The wide outer band is profusely decorated with the iconic ‘grain pattern’ (谷紋) in relief. This band frames three central registers finely engraved with braided reliefs and a dense pattern of incised scrolls.

Bi discs are objects of profound cosmic symbolism in Asian culture, associated with the sky, power and status. Warring States period (475-221 BC) or later.

Diameter: 11 cm; Thickness: 0.5 cm

Weight: 131 g

Provenance:

· Collection of Tommy Lam, Hong Kong, since 1980