White Jade Bi Xie

Tags: figurine | jade | Tang dynasty

Originally made from white and sapphire jade, this artifact is corroded and becomes dark brown. Shaped as the Bi Xie, an imaginary beast believed to be exorcising the evil spirits, this artifact depicts it raising its head and sitting on a podium. During the West Han Dynasty, Bi Xie is generally cast in bronze situated in the palace to invigorate the atmosphere. After East Han Dynasty, Bi Xie in jade carving starts to appear, generally as pendants or put in the entrance of the grave. In tradition, this form can dispel the evil and protect its owner.

Bi Xie
6.2x3 cm/ Thickness: 1.5 cm
Tang Dynasty

National Museum of History