AntiqueJades.com - Offering Antique Chinese Jade Carvings

FOR SALE: Antique Black Jades

Black Jades from the MING Dynasty

These wonderful Ming Dynasty discs, called Bi, Huan or Yuan (depending on the width of the hole in relation to the width of the sides) were believed to have magical properties when consecrated by a priest or shaman.

Protection from harm, a bountiful life, and safe travel across lakes and rivers (when thrown into the water to appease the water-spirits) were the primary benefits to come to the possessor of such discs. Being made of a rare black material (symbolizing "happiness" to the Ming elite) was a major "plus" for the times.

Though not Nephrite jade in Western geological sense, it was a hard and revered material akin to the black chert favored by the pre-Columbian North American Indians in many relics, arrow and spear points. The world calls it Black Jade, and the Chinese also feel that it is such, with the technical qualifications we have noted.

To see a close-up picture of any item, click on the picture of the item.

ABJ1001 - Very Scarce Huan Disk

A very scarce piece, this "Huan Disk" (hole width is the same as sides) shows a very rare design. The black jade was a favorite color of the Ming rulers. This piece has an outside diameter of 2 1/4 inches long and an inside diameter of 11/16 inches. The disk shows the lightest of corosion from the tomb. Very good condition with light scratches on one side. PRICE: $325.00

ABJ1002 - Rare "Yuan" Disk

This piece is known as a "Yuan" disk because the width of the center hole is bigger than the widths of the sides. Also this piece is doubly thick pointing to a possible connection to the emperor since these pieces were normally reserved for him and his family. The disk has an outside diameter of 2 1/4 inches and an inside diameter of 1 inch. It is very thick at almost 1/4 inches. The piece is in good condition with a few scratches on one side. PRICE: $250.00

ABJ1003 - Huan Disk

This disk is similar to ABJ1001 with a 11/16 inches inside diameter by 2 1/4 inches outside diameter. Somewhat thinner than ABJ1002, this disk is in extremely good condition with minimal scratches. PRICE: $225.00

ABJ1004 - Small Huan Disk

This smaller Huan disk has a beautiful incuse design. It has an outside diameter of 1 13/16 inches and an inside diameter of 9/16 inches. It is in excellent shape. PRICE: $240.00

ABJ1005 - Small Yuan Disk

A smaller Yuan disk with an outside diameter of 1 13/16 inches and an inside diameter of 3/4 inches. This disk is very finely carved. PRICE: $190.00