Secrets of the Jade Bi
This Bi has been on display in the Lizzadro Museum originally thought to date to the Zhou dynasty. However, recent research shows the piece is not what we originally thought!
To understand the Bi in our collection, we will first talk about Jade, the applications of other Bi's, the Zhou (1046 - 246 BCE), and Qing (1644 - 1911 AD) Dynasties.
Jade is an umbrella terminology used by the Chinese for centuries. Meaning, Jadeite (Melon Bowl), Nephrite (Altar Set), and Serpentine (Bi) are all in this category of Jade.
Bi Disks
Bi are disks whose overall dimensions are larger than the central oriface. The first Bi date to the Liangzhu and Hongshan Cultures (33,000 - 22,000 BCE) in Neolithic China.
Disk (bi) (ca. 3300-2250 B.C.E.) by Artist: Liangzhu cultureSmithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art
Liangzhu and Hongshan Disks
Early Bi disks are often simple in design, they are typically a flat smooth surface and rough cut.
Disk (bi) with knobs, feline and dragon (100-220)Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art
Zhou Dynasty (1046 - 246 BCE)
Zhou Bi implemented more designs such as, "C" spirals and abstract animal forms. They were also inscribed with commemorations to a specific deity, ancestor, or emperor.
Daily Use
Bi represented Heaven due to their continues round shape. Because of this were used in the worship of the Sky, Earth, and Ancestors. Bi also took the place of animals in sacrificial rituals. Individuals also began to wear Bi as pendants.
Altar set Altar set (late 11th century B.C.)The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Eastern Zhou Dynasty (770 - 246 BCE)
Jade declined in burial usage, becoming a display of luxury and wealth of the individual. Bronze sculpture became more popular for burial usage and many dukes began collecting bronzes for themselves instead of gifting them to the Emperor.
Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911 CE)
In 1763, Emperor Qianlong conquered the Western most frontier known as Khotan. This conquest led to massive increase in Jade carvings due to the large deposits in the area. As a result, there became nine applications of jade, one of them being the traditional or archaistic style.
清中期 仿古玉鐘|Bell 清中期 仿古玉鐘|Bell (18th century)The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Archaistic School
Artists focused on making new pieces look as though they came from previous dynasties, specifically the Zhou and Song. Commentary based on textual research and modern motifs would also be added.
Serpentine Bi Disk Jade Bi (1763-01/1800-12) by UnknownLizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art
Our Bi
Originally thought to have been gifted to a Zhou emperor, this piece is a result of the Archaistic movement in China. It was most likely made after the conquest of Khotan.
Serpentine Bi Disk Jade Bi (1763-01/1800-12) by UnknownLizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art
Telephone Game
The inscription on our Bi disk also dates to a Song Dynasty (979 -1260 AD) inscription based on a Zhou dynasty bell. Many pieces would have this inscription changing the characters slightly. With the original bell being uncovered in the 90's, proved all inscriptions to be wrong!
Originally thought to be commemorating the Zhou emperor Zhu Gong, the bi is actually commemorating the Chu king Chu Zhuang who was a powerful king during the Zhou dynasty. He established the state of Chu as a military, economic, and political hegemon after the battle of "Bi". The inscription reads:
"On behalf of the honor of the Emperor, Chu Zhuang’s birthday, this symbol was made for him that he might be remembered by his sons and grandsons for generations to come"
It was also determined by Dr. Kathleen Martin to be made of Bowenite Serpentine instead of Jade! Which scholars had believed the Bi to have been made of dating back to the 1950's.
Director Dorothy Asher, Dr. Kate Martin, Intern Eric Kent
You are all set!
Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.