CHINESE ARCHAISTIC HARDSTONE BI

Listed from Philip Stites Antiques & 20th Century. Price and availability may change; verify details with the dealer.

About

of pierced circular section form with relief carved “swirl” pattern; now displaying archeological patination Possibly Han Dynasty (206 B.C.E. to 226 C.E.) Overall diameter: 7” These early objects testify to early stages of development of cosmological concepts that remained important in Chinese culture during the Warring States and Han periods: the notion of a covering sky (Gaitian) that revolves around a central axis, the cycle of the Ten Suns, and the use of an early form of the carpenter ’ s square. These objects were handled by shamans who were the religious leaders of Liangzhu society and the transmitters of cosmological knowledge. Download Tearsheet

Details

Category

Accessories

Type

Decorative Object

Dealer

Philip Stites Antiques & 20th Century, Los Angeles

Availability

Available