Ceremonial Disc (Bi)
Unknown Artist
3300–2200 BCE
Medium
jade (nephrite)
Dimensions
d. 1 cm · diam. 32 cm
Classification
Jade
Department
Chinese Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Worcester R. Warner Collection
Accession Number
1917.974
About this artwork
The Liangzhu culture, one of the later Neolithic cultures of East China, excelled in jade working. Exceptionally large versions like this disc are rare and usually occupied pride of place on the chest of the buried. Traditionally called bi, these plain discs, together with cong, squared cylinders, form an essential ritual pair in Liangzhu burials of high-status individuals.