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Chinese Jade (Bi) Disc c. Late Qing Dynasty

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:150.00 USD Estimated At:500.00 - 800.00 USD
Chinese Jade (Bi) Disc c. Late Qing Dynasty
For your consideration is this beautifully carved Chinese jade (Bi) disc circa late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Chinese bi discs are jade discs that are flat and/or carved, with circular holes in the center. Some historians interpret the bi disc as a symbol of heaven; they are frequently found with heaven and earth-like images and were handled by shamans, religious leaders of Liangzhu society who taught fundamental cosmological principles to individuals of power and privilege. While their original purpose and significance are unknown, archaeologists have discovered them buried among the deceased upper class, believed to represent heaven and the sky and follow them to the afterlife. This jade disc shows a circular shape with a circular opening in the center. The disc shows colors of green, black, white and red/brown throughout and shows a nice transparency when held up to a light source. The piece is nicely carved and has no rough edges. It shows good condition overall with no signs of major damage or wear. It measures 6 1/4" in diameter and a thickness of 1/8" and weighs 6 ounces.