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.
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 |
|
| 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 created | May 8, 2000 |
| Record URL |
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