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Ceremonial Disc (Bi)

玉璧

3300–2200 BCE
(3300–2200 BCE)
jade (nephrite)
Diameter: 32 cm (12 5/8 in.); Overall: 1 cm (3/8 in.); Inner diameter: 5.4 cm (2 1/8 in.)
Worcester R. Warner Collection 1917.974
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.
Ceremonial Disc (Bi)

Ceremonial Disc (Bi)

3300–2200 BCE

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

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