Bi Disc Amulet Appraisal

Chinese Hand-Carved Bone Bi Disk Pendant Necklace

This is a vintage hand-carved necklace originating from China, featuring a central lozenge-shaped pendant with a traditional circular 'Bi' disk cutout at the center. The necklace is constructed from organic bovine bone beads, displaying a natural warm cream-to-ivory coloration. The strand consists of alternating geometric tube-shaped beads and small spherical spacer beads, demonstrating a rustic and folk-art aesthetic. The central pendant measures approximately 1.5 to 2 inches in width and features notches along its perimeter, reminiscent of ancient ritualistic forms. The texture of the bone shows visible cross-hatching and natural porous grain, indicative of manual carving techniques rather than machine polishing. The surface displays a moderate patina with some surface dirt and minor abrasions consistent with mid-to-late 20th-century age. There are no visible maker's marks, which is typical for such artisanal pieces. The craftsmanship reflects a traditional 'earthy' style, prioritizing the natural characteristics of the material over fine-precision jewelry standards. The piece is likely re-strung on a modern cord or thread, as is common with decorative exported bone jewelry from the region.