What is the estimated value of this Chinese Archaistic Jade 'Chilong' Bi Disc?

This Chinese Archaistic Jade 'Chilong' Bi Disc has an estimated market value of $100 - $300. This valuation is based on its assessment as a modern decorative reproduction, likely from the late 20th century, rather than an ancient artifact. Comparable sales of similar 'archaic style' bi discs in general auctions and online marketplaces support this range, reflecting its appeal as a decorative item rather than a high-value antiquity.

What era or period is this Chinese Archaistic Jade 'Chilong' Bi Disc from?

This Chinese Archaistic Jade 'Chilong' Bi Disc is assessed as a modern decorative reproduction, likely from the Late 20th Century or Contemporary period. While it faithfully emulates the style and iconography of the ancient Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE), including the classic chilong dragons, specific carving techniques and artificial surface treatments indicate modern manufacture. It is a homage to, rather than an original piece from, the Han era.

What condition is this Chinese Archaistic Jade 'Chilong' Bi Disc in?

The bi disc is in good condition, showing no major chips, cracks, or repairs. However, its surface exhibits extensive artificial aging, including mottling, staining, and orange-brown residue in the crevices. These effects are intentionally applied during manufacturing to simulate the appearance of ancient buried jade. This artificial distressing does not enhance its value, as it confirms its status as a modern decorative piece rather than a genuine antiquity.

Where should I sell this Chinese Archaistic Jade 'Chilong' Bi Disc?

Given its estimated value of $100 - $300 as a modern decorative piece, the most effective platforms for selling this Chinese Archaistic Jade 'Chilong' Bi Disc are online marketplaces like eBay or local general auction houses in the United States. These venues offer direct access to buyers interested in decorative Asian art and minimize transaction costs, ensuring you retain the maximum net proceeds compared to specialist international auction houses.

Is this Chinese Archaistic Jade 'Chilong' Bi Disc an authentic antique?

This Chinese Archaistic Jade 'Chilong' Bi Disc is assessed as a modern decorative reproduction, not an authentic antique. While it skillfully mimics Han Dynasty designs, indicators such as uniform carving lines and artificial residue in crevices suggest modern manufacture. A definitive conclusion requires physical examination and scientific testing, but based on current evidence, it is most likely a contemporary piece created to emulate an ancient artifact.

Chinese Archaistic Jade 'Chilong' Bi Disc, Han-Style

Estimated value: $100 - $300. Chinese Archaistic Jade 'Chilong' Bi Disc, Han-Style (Late 20th Century / Contemporary) — a researched valuation with cited comparable sales in Asian Art, from findthevalueof.com.

About this item

This disc connects to one of China's most ancient and revered artistic traditions. The 'bi' disc, a simple circle of jade with a hole in the center, first appeared in Neolithic cultures over 5,000 years ago. Believed to symbolize heaven, these objects were emblems of power and status, and were buried with the elite to accompany them into the afterlife. Over centuries, the simple form became a canvas for increasingly elaborate decoration. By the Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE), the period this piece emulates, master carvers were creating dynamic compositions by adding mythical creatures like the 'chilong,' or hornless dragon, clambering around the disc's edge. These powerful symbols were thought to be celestial messengers. The reverence for these ancient designs was so profound that later dynasties, particularly the Ming and Qing, produced their own archaistic versions in a movement known as 'fanggu' (imitating the ancients). This modern piece is a continuation of that long tradition, a decorative homage to a celebrated and powerful form from China's golden age of jade carving.

How the value was reached

The valuation is based on the assessment that this is a modern decorative reproduction. The primary anchor is a recent auction result for two similar 'archaic style' carved jade bi discs which sold for $100. This is supported by asking prices for comparable modern replicas on online marketplaces like eBay, which range from under $50 to several hundred dollars. High-value comparables, such as a Qing dynasty plaque that sold for over $30,000, are for genuine, high-quality period antiques and are not direct benchmarks for this item. Based on this data, a fair market value is estimated at $100 - $300. We recommend a reserve price of $80. After auction house commissions (typically 10-15%), net proceeds would likely be in the range of $85 - $255.

Comparable sales

Finely worked in reticulation featuring two chi dragons contending over a sprig of lingzhi fungus, both mythical beasts naturalistically portrayed with curved and outstretched powerful limbs extending to bifurcated tails, both resting atop a bi disc worked with archaistic scrolls with a hollow cartouche in the centre, the attractive stone of a white and russet colour. 8.3cm wide. — sold for $33,870 (Bonhams), 2012-11-23
CHINESE ANTIQUE JADE BI DISC, 'LIU-DRAGON'. Diameter: 5.25cm. Weight: 58g. — sold for Passed (Invaluable), 2023-10-27
The item is an "8CM Old China Hongshan Culture Jade Carving Dynasty Dragon Beast Yu Jade Bi". It is described as being made of Hongshan Culture Jade from China, with very fine handwork and incredible detailing. Its size is High 7, Long 8, Wide 2 (cm) and it weighs 0.5 KG (including packing materials). It is in perfect condition with no scratches, flaws, or repairs. — sold for $30.80 (eBay), Active listing
Two Chinese archaic style carved jade bi discs, measuring 2.25" in diameter (larger) and 2" in diameter (smaller). — sold for $100 (Millea Bros Ltd), 2024-07-18

Expert notes

The valuation is based on the assessment that this is a modern decorative piece. However, there is a small possibility it could be a genuine ancient or historic archaistic jade. If physical examination (including microscopic analysis of tool marks and material testing) were to confirm a period origin (e.g., Han to Qing Dynasty), its value would be significantly higher, potentially in the range of $5,000 - $30,000 or more. Before selling, we recommend a simple test: attempt to gently clean the orange residue from a small crevice with a damp cloth. If it comes away easily as a powder or paste, it helps confirm artificial aging.

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