A CELADON AND RUSSET JADE DISC, HUAN WESTERN HAN DYNASTY

of circular form, carved to both sides around the central aperture with the 'grain' pattern, the stone of a pale celadon colour with some mottled brown colouration

A Hawaiian private collection.
Christie's New York, 20th March 1997, lot 111.

There is minor nibbling along the edges of the bi. The stone colour is of a lighter tone compared to the catalogue illustration.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This light greenish-white jade exhibits a strong sense of glassy texture. Suffused with brown, some parts have cinnabar-red inclusions. Both sides are covered with a delicate grain design, so meticulously carved when fondled it feels prickly to the touch, and both the inner hole and outer circumference have blade-like edges. According to the Erya [Approaching Elegance (compendium of glosses, 3rd century BC)], Shiqi [Elucidating Utensils and Tools], "If sides are double the size of the hole, it is called a bi ('disc'); if the hole is double the size of the sides, it is called a yuan ('large hole disc'); if the sides and the hole are equal in size, it is called a huan ('disc-ring')’. The collector offered his own critique of the ring as "This rice-sprout blossom from the Western Han is actually an object unearthed in recent years, and to have such authenticity, refinement, and freshness combined all in one piece has rarely been seen before".