Bi Disc with notches
Chinese
Description
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.
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