East Asia, Neolithic Period, Liangzhu culture, ca. 3400 to 2250 BCE. A Chinese carved stone bi-disc, meticulously hand-carved from a mesmerizing verdant green stone with natural sage, spring green, dark brown, and citrine hues swirled across the surfaces. This bi disc is characteristically round with a wide central aperture drilled through both sides which retains a cutting edge on the interior wall, and presents an overall smooth finish. The fact that the disc is undecorated confirms that it is from the Neolithic period; later examples such as those of the Zhou dynasties were carved with relief sculptures representing celestial deities. Custom museum-quality display stand included. Size: 4.625" in Diameter (11.7 cm); 7.7" H (19.6 cm) on included custom stand. Bi discs were traditionally used by Shamans, the spiritual leaders and transmitters of cosmological knowledge of the Liangzhu society. Their circular form has prompted scholars to link bi discs to symbolism associated with earth and heaven. This said, no written accounts were left by Neolithic civilization. We do know, however, that bi discs were buried with the deceased as a celestial symbol that would accompany him/her to the afterlife. A somewhat larger jade example hammered for $40,000 at Christie's, New York "Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art" Auction (sale 2726, September 19-20, 2013, lot 1449): https://www.christies.com/lotfinder/lot/a-large-mottled-dark-green-jade-bi-5719765-details.aspx Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. #137696