Liulí bi disc ‘Dragon and Phoenix’, Western Han dynasty

Bi ritual disc, made of colourless liuli ‘琉璃’ (glass paste) with a patina and earthy inclusions. It features a circular body with a central perforation, lavishly decorated in high relief and openwork with qilong dragons and a phoenix amidst scrollwork. The surface displays a grain-like pattern. Western Han Dynasty (206 BC–9 AD) or later.

Size: 12.6 x 2.4 x 12.8 cm

Weight: 235 g