Chinese Neolithic Hongshan Stone Bi Disc

East Asia, Northeast China, Hongshan culture, Neolithic Period, ca. 3800 to 2700 BCE. A beautiful black or very dark green hard stone disc (likely serpentine), of the form called a "bi disc", its surface carefully sculpted into narrow, curving ridges and shallow, wide valleys. Although likely not intentional, this piece resembles the spiral shell form of an ammonite. From the Neolithic period forward, bi discs were buried with the dead, often broken or placed ceremonially on the body, usually near the stomach or chest, in high status burials. Scholars also believe that they were used during life for rituals. The level of skill and artistry required to shape hardstone speaks to how highly valued this striking piece of sacred art was. Size: 2.3" in diameter x .875" H (5.8 cm x 2.2 cm)

Provenance: ex private Ventura County, California, USA collection, purchased prior to 2000

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#154044
Condition Report: Minute nicks/chips here and there. Light encrustations/deposits on surface.