Lot 1730. A greyish-green jade bi, Warring States period-Han dynasty, circa 3rd century BC; 5 3/8 in. (13.8 cm.) diam. Estimate USD 6,000 - USD 8,000. Price realised USD 11,250. © Christie's Images Ltd 2013.

Each side is carved in low relief with comma spirals within an hexagonal grid pattern between plain inner and outer borders. The translucent, greyish-green stone has some darker inclusions and some opaque buff alteration.

Provenance: Ashkenazi & Co., San Francisco, acquired before 1996.
Dr. Leonard and Mrs. Ann Marsak Collection.

Note: Compare the similar bi disc of larger size (17.2 cm.), dated to the Warring States period (475-221 BC), illustrated by Yang Boda, Chinese Archaic Jades from the Simon Kwan Collection, Art Gallery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1994, no. 197, where it is noted that the number "813" is inscribed on the periphery, and based on the brevity of the decoration, which is "reminiscent of the Qin style", may have been made as a burial object for a member of the Qin court.

Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art, New York, 19 - 20 September 2013