Jade bi- (or pi-)disc

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Bi- (pi-) discs were made from around 2500 BC until around AD 220. Probably precious versions of battle maceheads, they were status symbols and signified Heaven. During the Zhou and Han Dynasties, when this was made, they were popular high status grave goods.

This thin, centrally-perforated disc is made of dark green jade, with incised decoration in the form of repeated spirals inside a lattice on both flat surfaces.

Bi-discs were important symbolic and high status objects, used in court and burial rituals at various periods in China. During the 3rd century BC, the emperor sacrificed bi-discs to his ancestors. Jade was venerated as the essence of Heaven.

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• Online ID: 000-100-097-870-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  A.1978.564
• Date: 3rd - 2nd century BC
  3rd or 2nd century BC
  
• Material: Dark green jade
  Pi-ring
  
• Dimensions: 178 mm D
  
• What: Pi-ring
  
• Subject: Jades
  
• Who:
• Where: China
  
• Event:
• Description: Dark green jade pi-ring with repeated designs of spirals within a lattice: China, Eastern Chou or Early Han, 3rd - 2nd century BC
  
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