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This large bi disc has been meticulously worked with a subtle concave rim rarely seen on bi discs of this size. Small circular bracelet-form jades from recent Liangzhu excavations show edges which are slightly concave in shape. This suggests an original bone-derived stylistic element. Although these wearable jades with concave edges are more frequently seen, this bi example of large size is most unusual. The surface of the bi disc is highly polished, and there has been much attention to both sha…
Bi
Courtesy of the Harn Museum of Art, Photography by Randy Batista

Bi

Maker Chinese, Liangzhu culture
DateNeolithic period or later
Place of originChina, Asia
MediumTremolite
DimensionsThickness x Diameter: 11/16 x 11 3/8 in. (1.7 x 28.9 cm)
ClassificationsSculpture
Credit LineBequest of Dr. David A. Cofrin
Object number2009.48.186
Collections
Visual DescriptionThis large bi disc has been meticulously worked with a subtle concave rim rarely seen on bi discs of this size. Small circular bracelet-form jades from recent Liangzhu excavations show edges which are slightly concave in shape. This suggests an original bone-derived stylistic element. Although these wearable jades with concave edges are more frequently seen, this bi example of large size is most unusual. The surface of the bi disc is highly polished, and there has been much attention to both shape and finish. The overall coloration is mottled green and beige with substantial whitish surface alteration. The physical condition is evidence of prolonged exposure to water and soil minerals resulting from burial. A central hole is drilled from both sides with a resulting offset. The boring of this hole is slightly angled approximately ten degrees due to the limitations of drilling technology. This characteristic is consistent with archaeological excavated examples of the Liangzhu period. In our opinion, the design, workmanship and physical condition of this bi disc indicate consistency with known examples of Liangzhu Neolithic workmanship. (Description taken from Bernstein invoice and appraisal)
Disc with Cloud Pattern
Disc with Cloud Pattern
Chinese Artist
Eastern Zhou dynasty (770-256 BCE)
Carved with archaistic motifs
Faceted Vase and Cover
Chinese Artist
19th century
Of circular bi-shape and convex section, the edges with three equidistant notches and serrations, one surface etched with two lines at right angles, the jade of mottled brown color with a small area of calcification
Notched Disc
Chinese, Longshan Culture
Neolithic period, c. 2300-1700 BCE or later
This ear cup reflects the Song period's profound interest in history in its characteristic design found in jades of the late Han period (206BC-AD220). The thinly worked oval cup has two flat handles projecting just below the rim at the longer sides, resting on an oval base with a raised foot ring. The highly translucent yellow jade possesses darker russet brown inclusions creating a desirable "skin" throughout the cup. The ear cup is of a fine, smooth polish. In our opinion, this ear cup is a fi…
Ear Cup
Chinese Artist
Qing dynasty (1644-1911) or later
Abstract male figure with upraised left arm. Wood is bi-color, dark and light brown. The face is carved with minimal features, but has a black glass bead in one eye socket, presumably the other bead is missing from the right socket. Hand and arm are perforated, right side of head has small hole. Small elliptical indentation in the ring carved on the waist to indicate a leather traditional Nguni black leather skirt, and ring on head is also carved to resemble traditional headgear.
Standing Male Figure
Nguni Artist
20th century
Disc
Disc
Chinese Artist
Neolithic Period or later
This striking octagonal vase is delicately worked from icy white jade with pale yellow surface skin markings. The artist has expertly incorporated the subtle yellow inclusions of the material with the edges of the broad graceful lotus leaves. The design extends the length of the vase to the concave neck. On either side, the covered vase is graced by handles in the shape of ruyi, or wish granting scepters. From each handle, circular rings are worked from the same jade boulder. In our opinion, the…
Vase and Cover with Ring Handles
Chinese Artist
18th-19th century
Vase with Scenes from the Novel Sanguo Zhi
Vase with Scenes from the Novel Sanguo Zhi
Chinese Artist
Qing dynasty (1644-1911), late 18th century
Carved from a light green jade with black inclusions, both sides of the disc are divided into two finely executed concentric decor zones. The inner band contains a grid of low relief curls within elevated hexagonal units, bordered by three "Bucraniums" that embellish the outer band. They stylized dragon forms are fluidly shaped from thick and thin incisions in a curvilinear pattern and separated by incised double brackets. Consistent with the practice of the time, cinnabar was applied to enhance…
Jade Disc (Bi) 玉璧
Chinese Artist
Han Dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE)
The translucent, deeply colored amber colored glass imitates the dark amber found in nature. The walls of the vase are thickly formed with swirling striations that are typical of the period. A slight crizzling is evident on the inner surface of the vase and may also be seen on the exterior surface. The body of the vase is of a flattened circular form with a tubular neck and finished with a beveled lip. Unpolished grinding marks about the shoulders of the vase are evidence of the carving process…
Bottle
Chinese Artist
Yongzheng Period (1723-1735)
Tobae Manga Comic Sketch
Tobae Manga Comic Sketch
Keihitsu Tobaguruma
1720
Bell is divided into sections which are reminiscent of the piece-mold technique of seaming the elements of the bronze bells together, seen on this jade bell as design elements. This archaistic bell is of greenish-gray jade with russet inclusions. In our opinion this archaistic bell expresses the refinement of design and technical workmanship of the late Song to early Ming period.
Archaistic Bell
Chinese Artist
Song Dynasty (960-1279) or later

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