Preliminary identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
This is a large carved hardstone ceremonial disc (bi), featuring an openwork central raptor/bird motif, concentric bands of raised grain (grain-pattern/guwen) and scrollwork, and flanked by reticulated bat or mythical beast handles. While styled after ancient ritual jade discs from the Warring States or Han Dynasty, the material and surface treatment are characteristic of 20th-century archaistic decorative carvings.
Story
For over 5,000 years in China, flat circular bi discs represented the perfection of Heaven. This piece channels that ancient sacred visual language through intricate reticulated carving and symbolic bat motifs for good fortune.
Maker / Origin
Carved in the lapidary workshops of China during the modern archaistic revival period. Chinese lapidary masters have a centuries-long tradition of 'fanggu'—honoring antiquity by recreating revered ceremonial bronzes and jades from early dynastic tombs.
Condition & Value
The carving shows intentionally aged, chemically stained, or waxed surface coloring to mimic burial patina. Inspect the delicate openwork tips on the bat handles for minor chipping or fractures, which are common and can reduce value by 20–30%.
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Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.