Bi disc of Chang Le, cross symbol, solar disc, sun symbol

National Palace Museum, Taipei, Taiwan

Cross pattern carved along the outer section of a bi disc, National Palace Museum

One of dragon and phoenix patterns carved along the outer section of the bi disc.

The All-Powerful Jade Bi Disc

The Jade bi disc was the top article in the ritual hierarchy. It was used in sacred worship as well as secular ceremonies, such as in recruiting talent, proposing a marriage, betrothal gifts, new year audience and celebrations at the court, and so on. A funerary suit sewn of jade pieces would wrap the deceased body, with a bi disc specifically for the apex of the head or the head end of the coffin, so the soul would hopefully pass through the central hole of the disc into eternity. The patterns that adorn the jade discs from the Warring States Period to Han dynasty include designs in cloud, cloud scroll, grain, rush mat, embossment, and sometimes with motifs of dragon-phoenix or four-deity, and auspicious phrases.

Supplementary images:

Cross pattern carved along the outer section of a bi disc, National Palace Museum

Taken on Sunday 27th of May 2018

Device: Motorola

Model: XT1585

Source: Taipei, Taiwan

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