What is the estimated value of this Chinese archaistic jade bi disc?

This large Chinese archaistic incised jade bi disc has an estimated market value between $400 and $600. This valuation is based on comparable sales of 20th-century decorative archaistic jade carvings at reputable auction houses. While it skillfully mimics ancient Han Dynasty pieces, its modern origin places it in the decorative arts market, distinct from high-value archaeological artifacts. A specialist auction can help achieve the higher end of this estimate.

What era is this Chinese jade bi disc from?

This Chinese jade bi disc is identified as a 20th-century creation. Although it is crafted in the archaistic style of the Western Han Dynasty (circa 206 BCE - 9 CE), analysis of its carving techniques and superficial staining confirms its modern manufacture. This piece is a tribute to ancient Chinese lapidary traditions, appreciated for its decorative quality rather than its antiquity as an archaeological artifact.

What condition is this Chinese archaistic jade bi disc in?

The Chinese archaistic jade bi disc is in excellent structural condition, showing no visible chips, cracks, or repairs. The prominent dark brown and black mottling and staining on its surface are not natural patina or damage from burial. Instead, these are intentional, artificial treatments applied during its 20th-century manufacture to simulate the appearance of an ancient, excavated artifact, a common feature in archaistic reproductions.

Where should I sell this Chinese archaistic jade bi disc?

For selling this Chinese archaistic jade bi disc, it is strongly recommended to use a US-based regional auction house with a dedicated Asian art department, such as Heritage Auctions or Doyle New York. These venues cater to collectors of decorative Chinese art and can maximize exposure. Alternatively, for a quicker sale, consider specialist online marketplaces like Catawiki. Avoid premier international houses due to high consignment thresholds and costs.

Is this Chinese jade bi disc an authentic ancient artifact?

No, this Chinese jade bi disc is not an authentic ancient artifact. It is identified as a 20th-century archaistic reproduction, skillfully crafted in the style of the Western Han Dynasty. Diagnostic features, including modern carving techniques and artificial surface staining designed to mimic age, confirm its contemporary origin. It should be valued as a high-quality decorative object rather than an archaeological piece.

What is the significance of a Chinese 'bi' disc?

The 'bi' disc is a profoundly symbolic form in Chinese culture, originating over 5,000 years ago in the Neolithic period. Its circular shape traditionally symbolizes Heaven, and these jade discs were used as powerful ritual objects. They were often buried with nobles to guide the soul in the afterlife. While this specific disc is a 20th-century archaistic piece, it pays homage to this rich historical and cultural legacy.

A Large Chinese Archaistic Incised Jade Bi Disc, in the Western Han Style, 20th Century

Estimated value: $400 - $600. A Large Chinese Archaistic Incised Jade Bi Disc, in the Western Han Style, 20th Century (20th Century) — a researched valuation with cited comparable sales in Asian Art, from findthevalueof.com.

About this item

The 'bi' disc is one of the most ancient and symbolically potent forms in Chinese culture. Originating in the Neolithic period over 5,000 years ago, these jade discs were powerful ritual objects, with their circular shape symbolizing Heaven. They were buried in vast numbers in the tombs of nobles and rulers, believed to guide the soul into the afterlife. The intricate carvings of dragons and celestial clouds that appeared in later dynasties, like the Han, further reinforced this connection to the cosmos and imperial power. This tradition of reverence for ancient forms led to the practice of archaism, where artisans in later periods would create works in the style of revered antiques. This disc is a product of that tradition. Made in the 20th century, it is not an archaeological artifact but a tribute to the celebrated lapidary arts of the Han Dynasty. It was created as a handsome decorative object, appreciated for its impressive scale, the beauty of the jade, and its connection to one of China's most enduring artistic legacies.

How the value was reached

The valuation is based on auction results for comparable 20th-century and late Qing Dynasty archaistic jade carvings. While genuine ancient bi discs command very high prices, 20th-century decorative examples trade at a much lower level. A 19th-century bi disc of smaller size sold for approximately $430, providing a key benchmark. The larger size and strong decorative appeal of the present example support an estimate at the higher end of this decorative market. At a specialist auction, a net return to the seller would likely be between $320 and $510 after typical commissions. A conservative reserve of $350 is recommended.

Comparable sales

13CM Old China Hongshan Culture Old Jade Double Huan Safety Buttom Yubi Yu Bi. This is an active listing for an asking price, not a realized sale. — sold for $99.00 or Best Offer (eBay)
A yellow and russet jade archaistic bi disc, Song - Ming dynasty, 7 cm. — sold for 20,000 - 30,000 HKD (Estimate) (Sotheby's), 2021-05-25
Nephrite Jade, decor carved in relief, Dm. 9.7 cm, rim chipped. — sold for EUR 170 (Starting Bid) (Dorotheum), 2024-02-14
A Chinese celadon jade bi disc, Qing Dynasty, 19th century. The flattened disc is carved in low relief with stylized chilong and ruyi-heads, with stylized scroll motifs on the reverse. The re-worked stone has celadon, russet flecks, and black inclusions, and measures 8.4 cm in diameter. — sold for ZAR 8,208 (Strauss & Co), 2019-03-18
The item is a 4.4" Chinese Hongshan Culture Old Hetian Yellow Jade Carving Round Bi. It is made of Hetian Jade and is described as being in perfect condition with fine handcrafts and incredible detailing. — sold for — (eBay)

Expert notes

This is a handsome 20th-century decorative carving in the ancient Han style, not an archaeological artifact. The dramatic dark staining is an artificial effect intended to mimic age. While the identification is confident based on photographs, a simple physical inspection of the central aperture for modern tool marks is recommended before sale to provide absolute confirmation of its 20th-century manufacture.

This report is one of the worked examples in our guide What is your jade worth?.