chinese bi-disk

love to hear your opinions on this stone bi-disk from china

 

A recent export piece. Some so-called "Hongshan motifs" added to suggest history. Possibly laser cut.

 

ok

 

It doesn't "smell" old to me either. The carving has zero wear on it.

 

Below is a photo of the famous Hongshan jade C-dragon, found in Inner Mongolia. Only one of these was found, but many fakes were made.
Apparently they also decorate Bi-discs with it now, which is a shame.
No Hongshan Bi-Discs were found, and it is unlikely they ever will, it was a different culture from the ones that made Bi-discs.


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hongshan_culture

 

these are also very old| https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=TujqxvovVQY

 

it is very interesting that you say possible laser cut, because the disk has signs of melting of the stone. but why do all that work for a repica which sells for 30 dollars in china but for much more over in europe????

 

I just researched in Chinese internet - there are actually bi found in Hongshan relics, but quite different from what more-known cultures, i.e. Zhou and Han dynasties made: more rough in cutting and shape. Yet still, quite different from the one posted here.

 

You are right, jade rings were found at Hongshan burial sites. They were used to cover the body. Some were more ring-like, and some were double discs, like a figure 8. But afaik their exact meaning is unknown, so it is unknown if the symbolize heaven, like Bi-discs do.
And as you said, those are not like the discs that we know as Bi-discs, which are more associated with Liangzhu and later cultures.

And as always, there are many fakes, also recently invented jades sold and even exhibited as Hongshan.

 

It isn't much work at all. Besides, labour is cheap in China, and exports are subsidized by the state. So if it costs $30 or 'much more over in Europe', I'd say every seller in the line made a nice profit.

 

Lol I tried not to be too direct, but I really don't suggest 'investing' in these discs or other jade stuff if one has no idea of how developed the faking industry is in China. The said work isn't really a thing, with an expected profit of 1000% or more. Also, one needs the knowledge about the patterns, symbols and use of these stuffs, of course.

I once tried to source a genuine jade disc in China, I gave up. Really requires good amount of training to spot a convincing fake, with the help of a microscope and lots of other equipments

 

is doesn´t matter i will be able to sell it as a decorative disc at least it is real stone and not plastic hahaha

 

Absolutely true.

You can buy Chinese jades because you like them, but don't expect them to have more than decorative value. (If that....)

 

I guess it has that going for it.
And the back isn't too bad.

 

Some Chinese jewellers would make newly mined jade in ancient style, and the advertised as modern too. It's safer and cheaper to buy, and still looks great if you prefer a decorative stuff

 

True. I have some newly made 'ancient style' jades, bought as new in the 80s, so I knew what I was buying. Hand carved and cheap.