Featured in this lot is this large, beautifully carved Chinese jade (bi) disc circa late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Chinese bi discs are jade discs that are flat and/or carved, with circular holes in the center. Some historians interpret the bi disc as a symbol of heaven; they are frequently found with heaven and earth-like images and were handled by shamans, religious leaders of Liangzhu society who taught fundamental cosmological principles to individuals of power and privilege. While their original purpose and significance are unknown, archaeologists have discovered them buried among the deceased upper class, believed to represent heaven and the sky and follow them to the afterlife. This jade disc shows a circular shape with a circular opening in the center. The disc shows various shades of green with spots of grey throughout the piece. When held up to a light source it shows a lovely transparency and great colors. The disc shows good condition with smooth edges and no signs of major damage or wear. It measures a diameter of 10 3/8" and a thickness of 3/16" and weighs 1 pound and 10 ounces.