of ovoid pierced form with low relief “swirl” pattern; now with archeological patination

 Possibly Warring States (481-403 B.C.E.)

Overall diameter: 7 3/4”

 These early objects testify to early stages of development of cosmological concepts that remained important in Chinese culture during the Warring States and Han periods: the notion of a covering sky (Gaitian) that revolves around a central axis, the cycle of the Ten Suns, and the use of an early form of the carpenter’s square. These objects were handled by shamans who were the religious leaders of Liangzhu society and the transmitters of cosmological knowledge.

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