Period:Ming dynasty Production date:17thC-18thC (circa)
Materials:jade
Technique:carved
Subjects:dragon reptile
Dimensions:Diameter: 11.80 centimetres
Description:
Bi. Two dragons, grain pattern, snakes interlaced and spirals. Made of carved jade (brown.yellow).
IMG
![图片[1]-bi BM-1945-1017.107-China Archive](https://chinaarchive.net/Ming dynasty/Jades/mid_00325358_001.jpg)
![图片[2]-bi BM-1945-1017.107-China Archive](https://chinaarchive.net/Ming dynasty/Jades/mid_00309745_001.jpg)
Comments:Jones 1990Qing dynasty jade disc decorated with dragons in relief (bi)Early discs buried in Neolithic tombs with cong were undecorated. Later they were often used in pendant sets indicating rank. Known also in texts as precious gifts between ancient noble or official families, such bi must have seemed attractive to collectors not just for their appearance but also for their associations. The present bi is loosely based upon jades of the Han period (206 BC-AD 220). However, the dragons lying on the surface are bolder and more clumsy than their Han counterparts, which were either shown in silhouette around the circumference of the discs, or worked in and out of the flat surfaces. The dark colour of the jade was probably achieved artificially by dipping the piece in a solution of carbon.
Materials:jade
Technique:carved
Subjects:dragon reptile
Dimensions:Diameter: 11.80 centimetres
Description:
Bi. Two dragons, grain pattern, snakes interlaced and spirals. Made of carved jade (brown.yellow).
IMG
Comments:Jones 1990Qing dynasty jade disc decorated with dragons in relief (bi)Early discs buried in Neolithic tombs with cong were undecorated. Later they were often used in pendant sets indicating rank. Known also in texts as precious gifts between ancient noble or official families, such bi must have seemed attractive to collectors not just for their appearance but also for their associations. The present bi is loosely based upon jades of the Han period (206 BC-AD 220). However, the dragons lying on the surface are bolder and more clumsy than their Han counterparts, which were either shown in silhouette around the circumference of the discs, or worked in and out of the flat surfaces. The dark colour of the jade was probably achieved artificially by dipping the piece in a solution of carbon.
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