Artwork Page for Ceremonial Disc (Bi)

Details / Information for Ceremonial Disc (Bi)

Ceremonial Disc (Bi)

玉璧

3300–2200 BCE

East China, Neolithic period, Liangzhu culture

(3300–2200 BCE)
Medium
jade (nephrite)
Measurements
Diameter: 32 cm (12 5/8 in.); Overall: 1 cm (3/8 in.); Inner diameter: 5.4 cm (2 1/8 in.)
Credit Line
Worcester R. Warner Collection 1917.974
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Description

The Liangzhu culture, one of the later Neolithic cultures of East China, excelled in jade working. Exceptionally large versions like this disc are rare and usually occupied pride of place on the chest of the buried. Traditionally called bi, these plain discs, together with cong, squared cylinders, form an essential ritual pair in Liangzhu burials of high-status individuals.
A flat jade disc takes a circular form with a small, perfectly round hole at its center. Its mottled surface features a blend of olive green, sandy tan, and charcoal gray. Fine, web-like veins and irregular patches of cream ripple across the stone, creating a weathered texture. Darker tones concentrate toward the right, while the outer perimeter shows subtle irregularities that catch the light, suggesting an aged, hand-carved quality.

Ceremonial Disc (Bi)

3300–2200 BCE

East China, Neolithic period, Liangzhu culture (3300–2200 BCE)

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