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Subject:BI-Disc
Posted By: Eric Mon, Jan 12, 2015 IP: 50.162.128.112

I've had this disc in my family for many years and it has been recently passed on to me. I am curious to learn more about its history and value.

What I've found on the internet is somewhat confusion and at times conflicting.
The disc is just over 6 cm in diameter with a 1.2 center hole and about that in height. It, as you see has two dragons adorning the top surface. I think they're called chilong? (baby)
On the back is a pattern of raised dots in the shape of a hexagon.
The disc is rather heavy considering its size but I have no scale for get a precise weight.
I have wiped the surface using only a soft toothbrush and cloth to polish it and never have used any type of liquid on it yet the disc always appears as if there is a sort of residue or oil on it although it does not feel this way. Just smooth as glass.
It remains cool to the touch for an extended period when holding it and from what I've read about jade(ite) that can be a good sign of authenticity, but not knowing my posterior from my bendable joints, I will not make any assumptions.
Any assistance with identifying this piece would be very appreciated.

Subject:Re: BI-Disc
Posted By: Eric Tue, Jan 13, 2015

The pictures did not display from the original post.





Subject:Re: BI-Disc
Posted By: Dave Wed, Jan 14, 2015

Now this piece has potential. Far better than what we have been seeing in a while..

Material looks good for a mid-Qing Dynasty ornament and love the fluid carving of the Chilong. The nipple looking, tightly packed, dots are quite popular during that period. I believe Han has something similar but not so thick and tighty packed.

Handling the material in person would be key to determine it. If it feels like Hetian White Nephrite, the chances of it being genuine increases.

Hope that others can learn more from such pieces and avoid dreaming on crude pieces hoping for a miracle like (Santa) Claus. ;)

Subject:Re: BI-Disc
Posted By: Eric Wed, Jan 14, 2015

Dave,

Thanks for the detailed information and assessment of the piece. You seem to have an understanding of this type of thing. Much more than I for certain.
If I want to find more information about it, where should I look. A forum and pictures only can go so far especially when you state the following:

Handling the material in person would be key to determine it.
I ask what does Hetian White Nephrite feel like? I have nothing to base the feel on except this piece and my Google searches. So far I have learned that Nephrite/Jade remains cool for a while as you hold it. (true/untrue?) This piece does remain cool for about a minute depending on the room temp and how its held. (tightly/loosely)

If it did turn out to be genuine, would it be worth holding onto for my children or is it simply just pocket change and worth peddling off to a collector?

Thank you again for the insight and any further direction.

Subject:Re: BI-Disc
Posted By: Dave Fri, Jan 16, 2015

I suggest international famed auction house catalogues like Christies and Sotheby's. You can also check out official catalogues from major museums in China, Taiwan, Europe and The US famous for having good collections of Chinese archaic Jade. Beware of dubious material though, plenty of books reviewing fake collections as genuine, I cannot stress this enough.

Hetian White Nephrite, the good stuff, has the amazing ability to remain oily when touched and retains that feature as the piece runs through many hands. Some may ask you to scratch here and there, but I never believed in that method when assessing in person. A fake piece can never be genuine to the trained eye and educated mind. Even within this category, it can be further differentiated into Mountain material, Mountain foot material and those, highly prized ones, fallen into the river beds resulting in a very smooth surface.

Well, I hope you leave it to your children if money is not an issue. Certainly not pocket change unless, hahaha, you've got deep pockets. Do keep me posted if you decide to seek an appraisal from the auction houses.

Subject:Re: BI-Disc
Posted By: Eric Sat, Jan 17, 2015

Dave,

Aside from the auction houses, catalogs and being aware of the non-authentic ones, I admit I am a bit lost with the remainder of your description.
Mountain, Mountain foot? I assume this is where the material is sourced?
Why would the river bed material differ in value?

I would never scratch this piece to test it, for fear of causing damage to it. As far as the surface of this piece, I cannot say it is oily as in slippery, or that it leaves a residue upon your hands after handling it, but it is super smooth and appears as if it is a flat kind of wet if that makes any sense.

I have added a picture on my website which shows a little more detail for those who wish to view it. The small black fibers are from a velvet bag I keep the piece inside of.

Thanks again for discussing the possibilities with me on a subject I know so little about.



Subject:Re: BI-Disc
Posted By: Ernest Wilhelm Tue, Jan 13, 2015

Pictures, please,
Ernest

Subject:Re: BI-Disc
Posted By: adam Fri, Jan 30, 2015

Nice piece.


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