Disc thumbnail 1
Not currently on display at the V&A

Disc

ca. 3200 BC-2200 BC (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This type of jade ring with a small central hole is known as a ‘bi’. Earlier examples, like this one, are usually plain, with no carved patterns.

The production of jade rings and discs started in Neolithic times in China and continued until the 19th century. They came in a variety of sizes and in two basic shapes. Discs with a large central hole were known as ‘huan’.

The significance of these jade discs in Neolithic times is not entirely clear. They must have had an important ritual function as they are often found in graves close to the bodies of the dead.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Nephrite jade
Brief description
Liangzhu medium-size bi
Physical description
Variegated dark green and brown
Dimensions
  • Diameter: 17.8cm
  • Hole diameter: 4.4cm
  • Thickness: 1cm
Style
Credit line
Purchased with Art Fund support, the Vallentin Bequest, Sir Percival David and the Universities China Committee
Production
Liangzhu culture
Summary
This type of jade ring with a small central hole is known as a ‘bi’. Earlier examples, like this one, are usually plain, with no carved patterns.

The production of jade rings and discs started in Neolithic times in China and continued until the 19th century. They came in a variety of sizes and in two basic shapes. Discs with a large central hole were known as ‘huan’.

The significance of these jade discs in Neolithic times is not entirely clear. They must have had an important ritual function as they are often found in graves close to the bodies of the dead.
Bibliographic reference
Ming Wilson, 'Liangzhu Jades Rediscovered' in Oriental Art, Winter 1995/96, pp.2-8.
Collection
Accession number
A.48-1936

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Record createdMay 8, 2000
Record URL
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