Important Old Sculpted Dragon Bi-Disk With Stand. An exceptional and highly carved hard stone Eastern Chinese Bi disc! These bi discs or stone rings, were made by the people of eastern China as early as fifth millennium BC. This practice continued after 500BC and even through the last 2000 years, presumably to assist the spirit in the afterlife. This was made after the Shang period where these discs are usually more ornate, carved with dragons, snakes, fish, and used in ritual ceremonies. This special disc is highly detailed with three individually and distinctive stylized dragons/chi longs, chasing the illusion pearl, with cloud swirls and scrolls. One dragon shows fiery smoke coming out of his nostrils, as the pearl looms over his head! Each dragon has his own personality, facial expressions, and bodily features. The reverse has small raised circular bosses. The disc was originally bought an an estate sale in La Jolla, CA in the early 1980’s, after 1976 when China was open to tourists. There is not too much information on it as original owners passed on. It is not jade but celadon color very hard stone partially calcified. It has been left as is and not cleaned. Or at least and extraordinary example or copy from that era. A piece to enjoy, revere, and ponder upon! Every time I look at it I see new scrolls, etchings, expressive dragons! The dragons seem to be alive and move and swim among the clouds! Beautiful celadon green coloring. Approx 7″ diameter (6 7/8″).
