Bi-shaped Jade disc 40cm - Chinese mythology

Grand Disque Bi Chinois Gravé en Jade - 40cm

- This object is a Chinese disc called Bi Disc, sometimes also called Pi Disc. It symbolizes the celestial Universe and its manufacture is linked to the Liangzhu culture. The first Chinese Bi Discs are dated to prehistoric times, more than 7000 years ago. They were undecorated and were used for ceremonies or rituals.
- The Bi or Pi Disc is a jade disc pierced with a circular orifice which represents an opening towards eternal life. This object was used for several millennia until the Han dynasty (206 BC - 220). During this long period, the appearance of the Bi Disc has changed little, but some pieces have been adorned over time with decorations representing deities linked to Heaven.
- It represents the symbol of the celestial Universe which is like it round and infinite. It is a nephrite jade artifact, which is the most common type of jade. Indeed, there are many deposits of nephrite jade in China and this stone has been used since prehistoric times by the Chinese in the manufacture of ritual objects, tools, artistic objects and medicinal potions.
- Originally the Bi Disc and a ritual object, used during ceremonies (to celebrate the worship of the Sun and the Sky). It attests to Chinese knowledge in the astronomical field. Shamans, who were the religious leaders of Liangzhu society, used this tool to communicate with other worlds. The Bi Disc owners therefore possessed an esoteric power and represented the elite. They could indeed invoke certain powers or incarnate deities of Heaven.
- Generally made in semi-precious stones, the first Bi Discs appeared in China 5000 years before Jesus Christ. Their original function and meaning are extrapolated, as no written explanation has been discovered. In Neolithic China, the dead were buried with their Bi Disc if they had one. This rite was to allow them to reach the afterlife which was located in the sky. Only shamans and people with a high social rank could hold this item.
- According to Chinese tradition, it brings its owner: happy life, wealth and protection against disease and injury. While the Bi Discs produced during prehistoric times are distinguished by their simplicity, those produced during the Shang, Zhou and Han dynasties have many decorations, engravings and ornaments. Indeed, the object began to lose its original function for rites and gradually became a decorative object.
- The Bi disc in the photo below is sold with its metal support. It is composed of Nephrite Jade, the jade of this Bi disc is translucent. Nowadays, more and more Chinese and Western individuals use them as decorative objects to give a touch of spirituality and mystery to their interior.