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Of flattened slightly irregular form, of uneven thickness and with a faint carving line on one side, the translucent white stone with some dark inclusions
Bi
Courtesy of the Harn Museum of Art, Photography by Randy Batista

Bi

Artist Chinese Artist
DateNeolithic Period or later
Place of originChina, Asia
MediumJade
DimensionsThickness x Diameter: 1/8 x 4 7/16 in. (0.3 x 11.3 cm)
ClassificationsSculpture
Credit LineBequest of Dr. David A. Cofrin
Object number2009.48.137
Collections
Visual DescriptionOf flattened slightly irregular form, of uneven thickness and with a faint carving line on one side, the translucent white stone with some dark inclusions
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 smooth translucent stone, pierced with a circular aperture, with slightly rounded sides on both sides tapering to the inside and outside edges, the white stone with strong russet streaks
Bi
Chinese Artist
Neolithic Period or later
Of compressed globular form, finely carved with 'rope twist' strapwork around the body forming a pattern of lozenge-shaped panels on an otherwise plain ground, the stone of celadon tone with faint russet and white inclusions
Washer
Chinese Artist
18th-19th century or later
The boulder of irregular triangular shape, carved to one face with Shoulao and an attendant holding a peach, both on a path between a pine tree and lingzhi and a deer, the reverse with a boy beside a waterfall holding a peach branch opposite a peach tree and a crane, the stone of rich yellowish-green tones with extensive russet inclusions and a smooth polish
Boulder with Sage and Attendant in a Cave
Chinese Artist
17th-18th century
A Mughal-style vase and cover carved from celadon green nephrite with lighter inclusions. The vase is carved in an unusual flattened and fluted form that is elliptical in cross-section. Either side of the vase is carved with three leafy acanthus scrolls and hanging loose rings. The long flaring neck is carved on either side
Vase and Cover
Chinese Artist
19th century or later
Raised on three monster mask and claw feet, well carved around the sides with three spaced foliate masks, interrupted by two horned monster mask handles suspending loose rings, the fitted, domed cover with matching decoration, encircling the hollowed ring knop with three tubular tabs, the dark green stone with typical black inclusions and white rivering.
Spinach-Green Jade Tripod Censer and Cover
Chinese Artist
18th-19th century
An oval vase-shaped ewer with curved spout elegantly carved from translucent jade. The mottled white material has greenish-gray tones and inclusions. The handle is carved aways from the cup in the sculptural from of a chih dragon with turned head clutching the rim. The dragon has a raised spine, spiraling articulations, and stylized wings on the thighs and shoulders.
Ewer with Dragon Form Handle
Chinese Artist
possibly Ming Dynasty (1368-1644)
Carved as a long slender blade of slightly curved outline tapering in thickness towards the tip and the cutting edge from an upper, and thicker, flat edge which is a continuation of the narrow, beveled handle, fitted at its end with a short similar section set at the base of a slight saddle with raised edges from which issues a faceted oval ring, the blade now altered from burial to an opaque pale and dark mottled gray with a few translucent buff patches remaining, the ring section somewhat opaq…
Serpentine Knife
Chinese Artist
Warring States Period (c. 475-221 BCE)
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
The beast well carved standing four square with the head turned to one side with a boy clambering over its back clasping a lotus sprig, the white jade with brown inclusions
Boy on an Elephant
Chinese Artist
Qing dynasty (1644-1911) or later
Of tapering globular shape, carved with two layers of eight lotus petals rising from the shallow, pedestal foot, with angular spout, curved handle and plain, straight-cut neck rising from the rounded shoulder, the cover carved as a lotus pad with a four up-turned leaves centered by a mandarin duck holding a lotus spray in its beak, some russet flaws and pale inclusions
Wine Ewer and Cover
Chinese Artist
Ming dynasty (1368-1644)
A small mountain of pale celadon nephrite with russet inclusions carved on one side with a pavilion behind a rocky ledge, shaded by pine trees and three figures at work. The peak of the boulder is incised and gilded with a poem:
Boulder with Landscape and Imperial Inscription
Chinese Artist
18th century

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