What is the estimated value of this Chinese Archaic Jade 'Gui-Bi' Disc?

This rare Chinese Archaic Calcified Jade Crested 'Gui-Bi' Disc is estimated to be valued between $10,000 and $15,000 USD. This valuation reflects its potential attribution to the Neolithic period (circa 3300-2000 BC) and the exceptional rarity of its hybrid 'gui-bi' form. The estimate is based on comparable sales of authenticated Neolithic 'bi' discs, adjusted for the unique characteristics and inherent authentication risks of this specific piece.

What era or period is this Chinese jade disc from?

This Chinese hardstone disc is attributed to the Neolithic Period, specifically circa 3300-2000 BC, likely from the Liangzhu or Qijia cultures. This attribution is based on its archaic style, evidence of manual workmanship, and extensive surface calcification consistent with ancient burial. The 'bi' disc form was central to Chinese ritual practice during this foundational period, symbolizing heaven and guiding souls in the afterlife.

What condition is this archaic jade item in, and how does it affect its value?

The 'gui-bi' disc is in good condition relative to its presumed great age. It exhibits extensive and stable natural burial alteration, including calcification, mineral staining, and surface pitting. These features are highly desirable for archaic jades, often referred to as 'baopi', and are considered indicators of authenticity and antiquity rather than defects. There are no visible modern breaks or repairs, which positively impacts its value.

Where should I sell this rare Chinese Archaic Jade 'Gui-Bi' Disc?

For the best price, it is strongly recommended to sell this 'gui-bi' disc through a major New York auction house with a dedicated Asian Art department, such as Christie's, Sotheby's, or Doyle, during their semiannual Asia Week sales (March or September). These specialist venues attract global collectors who understand archaic jade, maximizing exposure and competitive bidding despite the authentication risks.

What makes this 'gui-bi' jade disc particularly rare?

The exceptional rarity of this jade disc stems from its unique 'gui-bi' form, which combines a traditional circular 'bi' disc (symbolizing heaven) with a crested projection reminiscent of a 'gui' sceptre (symbolizing earthly power and rank). This fusion of two potent ritual symbols into a single object is highly unusual and seldom seen in documented archaic jades, making it a significant artifact if its Neolithic attribution is confirmed.

An Important Chinese Archaic Calcified Jade Crested 'Gui-Bi' Disc, Attributed to the Neolithic Period, Liangzhu or Qijia Culture, circa 3300-2000 BC, with Three Associated Jade Rings

Estimated value: $10,000 - $15,000. An Important Chinese Archaic Calcified Jade Crested 'Gui-Bi' Disc, Attributed to the Neolithic Period, Liangzhu or Qijia Culture, circa 3300-2000 BC, with Three Associated Jade Rings (Neolithic Period, circa 3300-2000 BC (attributed)) — a researched valuation with cited comparable sales in Asian Art, from findthevalueof.com.

About this item

This powerful object is a window into the spiritual world of ancient China, over 4,000 years ago. Attributed to the Neolithic Liangzhu culture of the Yangtze River Delta, it is a rare and complex ritual implement. The main form is a 'bi' disc, a symbol of heaven, which was placed in the tombs of high-ranking individuals to guide their souls into the afterlife. Jade itself was the most precious of all materials, revered as a conduit of spiritual power and a symbol of purity and virtue. What makes this piece exceptional is the addition of the pointed crest, which evokes a 'gui' sceptre—a potent symbol of earthly power and noble rank. The fusion of these two forms, heaven and earth, spiritual and temporal authority, created an object of immense significance, likely wielded by a shaman or tribal leader during important ceremonies. The mottled, transformed surface of the stone, altered by millennia of burial, was not seen as damage but as proof of its connection to the earth and the ancestral realm. This disc, along with its associated rings, represents a tangible link to the dawn of Chinese civilization and its foundational cosmological beliefs.

How the value was reached

The valuation is based on an analysis of auction results for authenticated Neolithic period circular 'bi' discs, which serve as the closest available market comparables. For example, a standard Liangzhu bi disc sold at Christie's for $22,000, while others have sold in the $1,800 to $7,500 range depending on size, quality, and alteration. Our estimate for the subject piece is adjusted upwards from the lower end of this range to reflect the extreme rarity of its 'gui-bi' form, but is also conservatively capped and widened to account for the significant authentication risk. The valuation assumes it will be accepted by the market as a probable Neolithic artifact. Should it be proven to be a later archaistic piece, its value would be in the lower end of this range or slightly below. A recommended reserve price at auction would be $8,000. Net proceeds to the seller after a typical auction house commission of 10-15% would be approximately $8,500 to $13,500.

Comparable sales

The thick disc has a central aperture drilled from both sides, the inner walls with remains of pronounced cutting ridges. The stone is suffused with a network of brown and buff-colored alteration on one side, and is almost completely altered on the reverse. 57⁄8 in. (15 cm.) diam., cloth box. — sold for 22,000 USD (Christie's), 2020-12-09
The item is a Chinese Neolithic period, Liangzhu culture jade bi disc, presented on a contemporary metal stand. It has a diameter of 15.75 inches, and with the stand, it measures 17.5 inches in height. It was removed from a Ridgefield, CT residence. — sold for 1,800 USD (Invaluable.com), 2021-11-07
Archaic Chinese Zhou Dynasty Nephrite Jade Bi Disc — sold for 475 USD (LiveAuctioneers), not available
a mottled green and pale beige opaque [Matched item is LOT 1715 on the linked page — direct lot page: https://www.christies.com/lot/a-mottled-green-and-pale-beige-opaque-6276648/?intObjectID=6276648&lid=1] — sold for 7,500 USD (Christie's), not available
This exquisite red soapstone Bi disc is a remarkable artifact from Neolithic China, dating back to the 3rd millennium BC. It is set on a modern iron base and reflects the timeless beauty and mystery of ancient craftsmanship. Bi discs were polished with meticulous care, demonstrating the skill and artistry of early Chinese stone workers. Their precise purpose remains uncertain, but their presence i — sold for $1,245 (Chairish), not available
The item is described as "A JADE DISC, BI 文化期玉璧" from the NEOLITHIC PERIOD, with a diameter of 20.2 cm. — sold for 200,000 NT$ (approx. 6,200 USD) (Ethereal Auctioneers), 2025-04-20

Expert notes

This is a potentially important and valuable archaic jade. However, its attribution to the Neolithic period, while plausible, is not certain from photographs alone. A later, archaistic origin (e.g., Ming Dynasty) is a distinct possibility. Before any sale, we strongly recommend having the piece physically examined by an academic or auction house specialist in early Chinese jades. Scientific testing to analyze the surface alteration and tool marks would be required for a definitive authentication.

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