Accession Number
2009/2.110

Title
Bi Disc with notches

Artist(s)
Chinese

Artist Nationality
Chinese (culture or style)

Object Creation Date
circa 15th century BCE - 11th century BCE

Medium & Support
jade

Dimensions
2 3/16 in x 2 3/16 in x 1/8 in (5.5 cm x 5.5 cm x 0.3 cm)

Credit Line
Gift of Agnes S.Chan

Subject matter
This is a variety of bi disc, a circular object usually carved from jade made in periods ranging from Neolithic to Han China. Bi represent the heavens, which their rectangular counterpart, the cong, represents the earth. Their function is unknown, but is suspected to have been ritual or astronomical in nature.

Physical Description
This jade disc has a circular hole in the center, and is carved in a way that the jade appears to be turning around this central point, almost in the shape of a hurricane symbol if it were to have three prongs. On each of the three prongs are three evenly spaced raised bumps.

Primary Object Classification
Sculpture

Primary Object Type
accessory

Additional Object Classification(s)
Ritual Object

Collection Area
Asian

Rights
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Keywords
circles (plane figures)
jades (objects)