Bi 璧
I think most makers have a theme or motif that they return to regularly and, for me, the circumpunct or Bi, a neolithic artefact from China, is endlessly engaging. A simple shape but one of the oldest symbols known to humanity with widespread significance across alchemy, several religions, mythology, and mathematics. It presents particular challenges to turn with various different chucking methods needed for the end grain finishing so that the tree’s annual growth rings reinforce the shape and perhaps ask questions of a deeper truth.
Although nobody knows their purpose or meaning for sure, ‘Bi’ discs are thought to be representations of Heaven.
Dating back to neolithic China, over 5000 years ago, jade Bi were often buried with people of high social status to accompany them on their way to the afterlife. There is one idea that they may have been a way to buy your way into Heaven, as everyone knows, the Gods value jade highly.
Another iteration of this neolithic artefact is the Mên-an-Tol and Tolvan holed stones in Cornwall. Both are large stone doughnuts and local lore has it that newlyweds and newborn babies would pass through the hole to bring blessings or increasing the chance of pregnancy, especially on a full moon. A local tradition for healing involved passing sick children through the hole to cure their illness.
The common purpose is to support us through whatever major life transition we are on the threshold of. Whether embarking on a new relationship, life, death or other rite of passage, we do seem to find a calming resonance with this shape and many people find comfort in the tactile qualities of these polished wood Bi.
Whether you want one to stroke, hang on the wall, wear, or use as part of your own creative expression, these beautiful and unusual wooden pieces are a pleasure to have around.
I think most makers have a theme or motif that they return to regularly and, for me, the circumpunct or Bi, a neolithic artefact from China, is endlessly engaging. A simple shape but one of the oldest symbols known to humanity with widespread significance across alchemy, several religions, mythology, and mathematics. It presents particular challenges to turn with various different chucking methods needed for the end grain finishing so that the tree’s annual growth rings reinforce the shape and perhaps ask questions of a deeper truth.
Although nobody knows their purpose or meaning for sure, ‘Bi’ discs are thought to be representations of Heaven.
Dating back to neolithic China, over 5000 years ago, jade Bi were often buried with people of high social status to accompany them on their way to the afterlife. There is one idea that they may have been a way to buy your way into Heaven, as everyone knows, the Gods value jade highly.
Another iteration of this neolithic artefact is the Mên-an-Tol and Tolvan holed stones in Cornwall. Both are large stone doughnuts and local lore has it that newlyweds and newborn babies would pass through the hole to bring blessings or increasing the chance of pregnancy, especially on a full moon. A local tradition for healing involved passing sick children through the hole to cure their illness.
The common purpose is to support us through whatever major life transition we are on the threshold of. Whether embarking on a new relationship, life, death or other rite of passage, we do seem to find a calming resonance with this shape and many people find comfort in the tactile qualities of these polished wood Bi.
Whether you want one to stroke, hang on the wall, wear, or use as part of your own creative expression, these beautiful and unusual wooden pieces are a pleasure to have around.
Bi 璧
Bi - Alder
£15.00 - £40.00
£15.00 - £40.00
Bi Magnolia
£15.00 - £38.00
£15.00 - £38.00
Bi Hawthorn
£10.00 - £20.00
£10.00 - £20.00
Bi - Yew
£16.00 - £30.00
£16.00 - £30.00
Ash Bi 9 - 11cm
£16.00
£16.00
Spalted Silver Birch Bi - 21cm
£40.00
£40.00
Rowan Bi 15cm
£30.00
£30.00
