Pair of Western Han dynasty "Bi" jade discs

Carved white jade with light flecks of golden tonality. Both are composed of a large central 'bi' disc, the surface of which is decorated with a '谷纹' grain pattern inscribed in small incised spirals. In the centre is a second ring with a rounded profile and a spirally grooved surface, held in place by four points. At the top is an elongated pyramid-shaped decoration with two phoenixes and dragons with sinuous openwork bodies, which join their bodies in the centre to form a 'heart'. It shows wear and patina from antiquity. Western Han Dynasty (206 BC - AD 8).

Size: 17 x 0.6 x 11 cm; Weight: 148 gr; 144 gr

Provenance: Collection of Tommy Lam, Hong Kong, from 1980.-Previous owner of lot: 48, (Imperial white jade "ziqiang buxi" seal, Qing dynasty, Qianlong period (1736 - 1795)) Auctioned: Important Hong Kong Collection, Tommy Lam - Asian Art. 25 October 2023. Darley Auctions.