Preliminary identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
This is a decorative Chinese hanging ornament featuring a central openwork 'Bi' disc carved from translucent carnelian agate, depicting stylized dragons. It is suspended between a loop of polished red jasper beads and a traditional black silk cord tassel accented with carved decorative spacer beads.
Story
Dating back to the Neolithic period, the circular 'Bi' disc represents the sky and heaven in Chinese cosmology. This mid-century piece translates that ancient imperial symbolism into a personal protective amulet or decorative tassel.
Maker / Origin
While the specific workshop is unknown, this piece represents the enduring legacy of Chinese lapidary arts. Throughout the 20th century, regional workshops in provinces like Liaoning and Jiangsu continued centuries-old carving traditions to meet global demand for classical Chinese aesthetics.
Condition & Value
The carved carnelian disc appears intact with no visible fractures or chips. The silk tassel is clean, unfrayed, and retains its shape, which greatly helps preserve its decorative value. Value is driven by the quality of the stone carving and the condition of the silk tassel.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
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.