East Asia,China, Neolithic Period, Liangzhu Culture, 3400 to 2250 BCE. A Chinese carved jade bi-disc, colossal in scale and of a substantive girth and thickness, presenting a mesmerizing array of verdant green, golden yellow, chestnut brown, and buff white hues in the jade. This bi disc is characteristically round with a central aperture drilled through both sides which retains a cutting ridge on the interior wall, and presents an overall smooth finish. The fact that it is not decorated, confirms that it is from the Neolithic period; later examples such as those of the Zhou dynasties were carved with relief sculptures representing celestial deities. Bi discs were traditionally used by Shamans, the spiritual leaders and transmitters of cosmological knowledge of the Liangzhu society. Their circular form has prompted scholars to link bi discs to symbolism associated with earth and heaven. This said, no written accounts were left by Neolithic civilization. We do know, however, that bi discs were buried with the deceased as a celestial symbol that would accompany him/her to the afterlife. Beyond this, jade objects, throughout history, have signified the elite status and social rank of an individual. Size: 17.75" W (45.1 cm)

A similar example, though less than half this diameter, sold for $40,000 at Christie's, New York, Lot 1449, Sale 2726, 19-20 September 2013. Follow this link for the listing: http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/lot/a-large-mottled-dark-green-jade-bi-5719765-details.aspx

Provenance: Ex-Private Maricopa County, AZ collection

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#118396

Minor losses to peripheries. Rough cutting edge on interior wall of central aperture.