Lot 013 A CELADON AND CALCIFIED JADE ‘TWIN DRAGONS’ BI-DISC (CHU KUO BI) STYLE OF HAN DYNASTY

Description

A CELADON AND CALCIFIED JADE ‘TWIN DRAGONS’ BI-DISC (CHU KUO BI)
STYLE OF HAN DYNASTY
汉代风格 青玉带沁镂空双龙出廓璧
MEASUREMENTS
L. 5.5 cm (2.1 in.); W. 3.8 cm (1.5 in.); D. 0.41 cm (0.16 in.)
ESTIMATE
USD 1,500 — 2,300
HKD 12,000 — 18,000
DESCRIPTION
This jade bi-disc is carved from a yellowish-celadon nephrite, exhibiting a robust and dignified form. Centuries of interment have resulted in heavy areas of opaque “chicken-bone white” (jigubai) calcification and vibrant russet-red inclusions that meander through the stone’s grain. The central circular disc is expertly carved in low relief with classic scrolling cloud motifs, framed by crisp, narrow borders.
Flanking the disc are two symmetrically pierced “out-of-the-rim” (chu-kuo) archaistic dragons. Each dragon is rendered with a powerful S-curved body and a backward-glancing head, creating a sophisticated sense of dynamic tension. The substantial thickness of 0.41 cm and the precision of the openwork reflect the bold yet fluid aesthetic of the Han dynasty lapidary tradition, where mythical creatures were imbued with a sense of lifelike vigor.
描述
此件玉璧取材青玉，色泽青中闪黄，古朴厚重。器表伴有厚重的钙化白沁（“鸡骨白”）及斑驳的褐红色沁，沁色渗入肌理，包浆自然温润。璧身中心开孔，璧面满饰减地浮雕勾连云纹，纹路清晰，线条委婉，展现了极高的琢磨水准。
璧身两侧采用镂空透雕工艺装饰对称双龙，龙首回望，躯体呈强有力的S形扭动。这种**“出廓”**设计打破了传统圆璧的几何边界，极具视觉张力。整器厚度达0.41厘米，用料扎实，线条刚劲利落，充分展现了汉代玉器雄浑大气与空灵动感并蓄的艺术特征。
CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE
The double-dragon Chu Kuo Bi is an elite variant of the classic ritual bi, representing the pinnacle of Eastern Han decorative jade. In ancient Chinese cosmology, the dragon was a celestial vehicle, and its presence on a ritual disc symbolized the owner’s ability to transcend the earthly realm. This specific form, with dragons flanking the central disc, is particularly rare and sought after by collectors for its architectural symmetry. Comparable examples of this double-dragon motif can be found in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, illustrating its enduring status as a scholarly and imperial treasure.
双龙出廓璧是传统礼玉中的高级品类，代表了东汉时期装饰玉器的卓越成就。在古代宇宙观中，龙为神灵之骑乘，将其置于璧侧，寓意通天达地、福佑永随。此器两侧对称布局的双龙在出廓璧中较为罕见，其比例协调，兼具金石之气与文人之雅。台北故宫博物院藏有类似形制的双龙璧，足见此类器物在古代宫廷与文人收藏体系中的显赫地位。
PROVENANCE
• Private Collection, Monterey.
• 蒙特利私人珍藏。
CONDITION REPORT
• Condition: Overall excellent archaic condition. Prominent natural calcification and stable mineral inclusions throughout. The openwork is cleanly executed with characteristic softening to the edges. No modern cracks or restorations detected.
• 状况： 整体品相良好。表面见显著的自然钙化及稳定的矿物质沁色，符合高古玉时代特征。镂空处处理干净，边角可见自然的岁月磨损。经检测无任何现代裂纹或修复。