Lot 014 A CELADON AND CALCIFIED JADE ‘DRAGON’ BI-DISC (CHU KUO BI) STYLE OF HAN DYNASTY

Description

A CELADON AND CALCIFIED JADE ‘DRAGON’ BI-DISC (CHU KUO BI)
STYLE OF HAN DYNASTY
汉代风格 青玉带沁龙纹出廓璧
MEASUREMENTS
L. 4.5 cm (1.79 in.); W. 2.5 cm (1.0 in.); D. 0.48 cm (0.19 in.)
ESTIMATE
USD 1,500~3500
DESCRIPTION
This sophisticated bi-disc is carved from a pale celadon jade, exhibiting extensive areas of opaque “chicken-bone white” (jigubai) calcification and deep russet-brown inclusions acquired during centuries of burial. This small-scale disc is uniquely embellished with a dynamic “out-of-the-rim” (chu-kuo) archaistic dragon crest, rendered in elegant openwork.
The dragon is depicted with a sinuous, powerful body in a graceful backward-glancing pose, its features defined by fine incised lines and subtle low-relief carving. The circular body of the disc is decorated with rhythmic cloud scrolls, showcasing a harmonious balance between geometric order and mythical form. The stone exhibits a smooth, waxy patina and a substantial thickness of 0.48 cm, characteristic of high-quality archaic jade handling and preservation.
描述
此件出廓璧取材青玉，质地坚实温润。局部见大面积钙化形成的**“鸡骨白”沁色及深褐色矿物质沁斑，沁色渗入肌理，包浆古雅。器身呈圆形环状，最为独特之处在于璧身上方以镂空透雕工艺修饰“出廓”**龙纹，龙身蜿蜒有力，呈回首顾盼之姿，神态生动。
璧面辅以精细的减地浮雕及勾彻工艺雕琢云纹，构图严谨，虚实相生。此器形制精巧（长约4.5厘米），厚度达0.48厘米，用料颇为扎实。它将传统的礼制圆璧与灵动的出廓龙纹完美结合，展现了汉代玉器极具张力的艺术风格。整器沁色自然，包浆醇厚，是高古玉器中极具文人意趣的雅玩。
CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE
The Chu Kuo Bi with dragon motifs represents a highly refined category of Han dynasty ritual and decorative jade. Such pieces were often utilized as prestigious pectorals or scholarly accoutrements, symbolizing the owner’s noble character and spiritual aspirations. The dragon, a celestial creature, “emerging” from the boundaries of the ritual disc, signifies a breakthrough into the divine realm. Similar examples with openwork dragon crests are held in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, reflecting the enduring aesthetic and symbolic importance of this form in Chinese lapidary history.
龙纹出廓璧是汉代玉器中极具代表性的品类，兼具礼器之神圣与佩饰之精美。在古代文化中，龙出廓外寓意“突破平庸、飞升化境”，具有极高的精神象征意义。此器虽体量小巧，但雕工利落，沁色斑斓，充分体现了汉代玉雕“气韵生动”的宗旨。台北故宫博物院《敬天格物》中藏有类似形制之玉璧，可资考证其在古代礼制与审美体系中的显赫地位。
PROVENANCE
• Private Collection, Montreal.
• 蒙特利尔私人珍藏。
CONDITION REPORT
• Condition: Overall good archaic condition. Prominent natural calcification and mineral inclusions consistent with age and burial. The openwork dragon crest is remarkably well-preserved with crisp carving. No apparent cracks or restorations detected.
• 状况： 整体品相良好。表面见显著的自然钙化及矿物质沁色，符合高古玉老化特征。纹饰清晰，出廓龙纹部分雕工精细且保存完整。经检测无明显裂纹或后期修复。