Bi Disc with notches / Artist Unknown, China

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Record Details

Accession Number
2009/2.110
Title
Bi Disc with notches
Artist Nationality
Chinese
Medium and Support
jade
Object Creation Place
Asia (continent)
China (nation)
Creation Place 1
Asia (continent)
Creation Place 2
China (nation)
Credit Line
Gift of Agnes S.Chan
Dimensions
5.5 cm x 5.5 cm x 0.3 cm (2 3/16 in. x 2 3/16 in. x 1/8 in.)
Primary Object Classification
Hardstone
Primary Object Type
jade
Secondary Object Classification
Ritual Objects
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.
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.
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Technical Details

Image Size
2592 x 3888
File Size
97 KB
Record
2009/2.110
Link to this Item
https://quod.lib.umich.edu/m/musart/x-2009-sl-2.110/2009_2.110.jpg

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Full citation
"Bi Disc with notches; Artist Unknown, China." In the digital collection University of Michigan Museum of Art. https://quod.lib.umich.edu/m/musart/x-2009-sl-2.110/2009_2.110.jpg. University of Michigan Library Digital Collections. Accessed March 28, 2024.
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