{"product_id":"chinese-neolithic-archaic-russet-mottled-jade-ritual-bi-disc","title":"Chinese Neolithic Archaic Russet \u0026 Mottled Jade Ritual Bi Disc","description":" Late Neolithic Period, Liangzhu \/ Qijia Culture, ca. 3000 – 1700 BCE\u003cbr\u003eA finely worked, exceptionally thin circular ritual disc (bi) carved from nephrite jade, measuring 8 inches in diameter and just 1\/16 inch in thickness, featuring a plain, smoothly ground surface and a clean central aperture. The stone exhibits dramatic, natural burial patination across its breadth, dominated by warm russet, iron-red, and golden-ochre hues mottled with areas of dark charcoal and pale celadon-grey resulting from prolonged soil contact. In ancient Chinese cosmology, the circular bi symbolized heaven—complementing the square-sectioned cong tube of the earth—and functioned as an essential ceremonial emblem of aristocratic authority, ancestral ritual, and elite funerary rites.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCondition: Extensive natural burial alteration with rich russet-brown, ochre, and dark mineral inclusions; custom black metal display stand included.\u003cbr\u003eSize:  8 in. D x 1\/16 in. W (20.3 cm D x 0.16 cm W); custom matte-black museum display stand included.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eProvenance: Private American Collection.","brand":"Art for Eternity","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67979471126842,"sku":"18045","price":3750.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0775\/5120\/6714\/files\/101495.jpg?v=1794511736","url":"https:\/\/howardnowes.com\/products\/chinese-neolithic-archaic-russet-mottled-jade-ritual-bi-disc","provider":"Art for Eternity","version":"1.0","type":"link"}