We acknowledge the Gadigal of the Eora Nation, the traditional custodians of the Country on which the Art Gallery of NSW stands.

Title

Disc (bi) with dragons (chi)

Artists

Unknown Artist

Alternate image of Disc (bi) with dragons (chi) by
Alternate image of Disc (bi) with dragons (chi) by
Alternate image of Disc (bi) with dragons (chi) by
Alternate image of Disc (bi) with dragons (chi) by
Alternate image of Disc (bi) with dragons (chi) by
Alternate image of Disc (bi) with dragons (chi) by
Alternate image of Disc (bi) with dragons (chi) by
Alternate image of Disc (bi) with dragons (chi) by
Alternate image of Disc (bi) with dragons (chi) by

  • Details

    Other Title
    Bi disc decorated with dragons
    Place where the work was made
    China
    Period
    Kangxi 1662 - 1722 → Qing dynasty 1644 - 1911 → China
    Yongzheng 1723 - 1735 → Qing dynasty 1644 - 1911 → China
    Media category
    Jade
    Materials used
    jade
    Dimensions
    2.6 x 15.2 cm diam. (irreg.)
    Credit
    Gift of Mrs H. Dresdner 2008
    Location
    Not on display
    Accession number
    40.2008
    Copyright

    Reproduction requests

    Share

  • About

    A perforated disc serves as a playground for nine 'chi' dragons, or young or immature beasts, with the seven smaller figures apparently belonging to the same litter. The centre dragon sticks its head and upper body through the perforation. The incision of cloud patterns underneath the dragons adds to the sense of mystery. The 'bi' disc, which was believed to be an offering to heaven during the Bronze Age, was one of the most enduring ritual jades in ancient times with its use spanning the Neolithic period to late imperial China.

    Asian Art Department, AGNSW, January 2012

  • Places

    Where the work was made

    China

  • Exhibition history

    Shown in 3 exhibitions