19th Century Chinese Carved Bi Disks - Set of 3

Description

An exceptional antique trio of hand carved Ming Dynasty Chinese bi disks, dated to the late 19th century, featuring three … more An exceptional antique trio of hand carved Ming Dynasty Chinese bi disks, dated to the late 19th century, featuring three distinctive circular stones with intricate finely detailed relief work, presented in contemporary stands. circa 1880

Found in the tombs of ancient Chinese emperors and aristocrats, bi discs such as these have a mysterious and spiritual history, and their function and significance remain uncertain. Shaping this hard stone takes considerable time and skill, an artisan patiently rubs and carves the surface away to give the stone its soft, satiny appearance, with subtle glow completely different from the polished gloss of machine-finished stones.

The largest: 12" diameter, in shades of gray, black, with white veining and fire breathing dragon motif.

The mid-size: 11.5" diameter, in rich shades of deep green, having a circular hole in the centre, embellished on both sides including high relief fiolate scroll, bands of Greek key ornamentation and Asian characters to the verso.

The smallest: 8.75" diameter, very light nephrite jade, with beautiful naturalistic flowering branches around raised sun.

Tallest in stand measures 18.5" High, 12.25” Wide

Provenance:
Aquired from a stately Providence, RI estate.

Stunning, very fine quality, artistically sculptural, exceptionally executed design, highly decorative, with unique texture, beautiful rich coloring, lustrous sheen patina, placed on display atop a sofa table, fireplace mantel or entry console they make for the perfect elegantly sophisticated, interesting and conversational statement piece. less