East Asia, Northeast China, Hongshan culture, Neolithic Period, ca. 3800 to 2700 BCE. Three beautiful hand-carved bi discs, the two smaller made of stone, and the largest from white nephrite. All three discs were created using a meticulous drilling and polishing method with only simple hand tools. Forming such discs was not a rapid process as it was meant to show the utmost respect to the individual with whom the disc would have been interred. The smallest disc is made from a mottled green stone with both light and dark inclusions, and exhibits smooth exterior and rough interior surfaces. The medium-sized ring is comprised of a dark-grey stone, with both sides displaying a raised interior rim. One side of the largest nephrite disc has been polished in modern times to reflect its appearance roughly 5,000 years ago; the verso has not been polished, thereby showing how it looks today. These three discs are a wonderful study of how the ancient Chinese revered their deceased ancestors. Size of largest (nephrite): 4.6" H (11.7 cm); 5.875" H (14.9 cm) on included custom stand.

Yu, the Chinese word for jade, is also an idea - of a steadfastness, and reliability, mirrored in the abrasion techniques required to make these intricate works of art. Yu is also not bound by the mineralogical definition of jade - over the millennia that it has been carved in China, the people have had varying access to sources of jade and nephrite - but is rather a wider term for hard stone, much of it white, like this piece. From the Neolithic period forward, bi discs were buried with the dead, often broken or placed ceremonially on the body, usually near the stomach or chest, in high status burials. They were also used in life during rituals.

Provenance: ex-private Norfolk County, Massachusetts, USA collection

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#100874

Gray stone and nephrite discs repaired from multiple pieces, with small chips and adhesive residue along break lines. One side of nephrite disc polished in modern times. All items have expected age-commensurate surface wear, small chips to interior and exterior peripheries, otherwise very good. Nice earthen and mineral deposits throughout. Both stone discs have old inventory number "AJL5" written in black atop a clear substance.