WHITE NEPHRITE JADE BI WARRING STATES TO HAN DYNASTY Start Price USD 15,500.00 Current Price USD 15,500.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Monday, September 08, 2008 End Time Monday, September 15, 2008 Location Tucson, AZ. See more about 'WHITE NEPHRITE JADE BI WARRING STATES TO HAN DYNASTY' Description Warring States -to- Western Han Dynasty White Nephrite Bi  The Bi (or Pi) was used in essence for praying to Heaven, and was one of the most highly revered items that the Nobility of ancient China could own.  They have often been found in funereal ceremonies and buried with the dead.  Bi's were used in many different Reverent Ceremonies for various reasons, and at different times of the year; some were used to 'bring in the rain' during spring Ceremonies. They were a very important symbol representing the sky, or heaven, and helped the deceased achieve eternal life in heaven (a circle: without beginning and without end).  This Bi is made from white nephrite jade and decorated with a Phoenix.  During the time period of the creation of this Bi, only the King or Emperor were allowed, by royal decree, to own white jade.   This white nephrite Bi has been only lightly re-polished and is still showing the "Chook Bone" from original burial.  Please Note: Upon my cleaning and authenticating of the item, I found that a very small portion of one of the curls on the Phoenix had been re-glued on.  This was discovered while I was removing all the dirt and wax off the Bi in acetone, so I could determine all the proper, ancient tool marks, re-polishing, and repairs that often accompany an original piece.  The loosened bit was re-glued again with Paleo-Bond low-viscosity. The Bi still shows original iron rust particles and small bits of malachite from surrounding burial articles, which are still attached to parts of the original surface that were not re-polished.  This is an old Hawaiian Estate item that was purchased from an elderly Chinese couple who were returning to China in the 1980's, and did not want to take back certain of their possessions.  This Bi measures 6-15/16" at its longest point and 4-1/2" at it widest.  The thickness is slightly irregular and varies from 3/16" to 1/4".  Displayed: Jade Art Now Show 2007                     Jade Art Now Show 2008 Scheduled: Big Sur Jade Festival Oct. 10Th-12Th                                                         Jade Art Now Show 2009 (see jadeartnow.com for dates) Note: This item is listed as Warring States to Western Han because in my professional opinion there is no authenticator in the world capable of splitting a '75 year old' hair stylistically on an archaic (over 2000 year old), jade item.  You may view this item or any of our other antiquities, fine art or artifacts at our gallery, by appointment only. We are Antiquities, Plus... David Fredericks 2752 North Campbell Ave. Tucson, AZ 85719 Phone 520-991-2153 Refunds will be made only upon receipt by us (within 14 days of buyer's receipt of the item), of a written verification from a major University Department Head, or Major Museum Curator from a recognized institution in the appropriate field. NOTE: For international sales, buyer is responsible for all import duty taxes. Place a Bid!