Search Results - Bian He

Mr. He's jade

| p = Héshìbì | w = | j = | y = Wòhsihbīk | l = He's jade }}

The ''Heshibi'', often translated as '''Mr. He's jade''', was a sacred ceremonial ''bi'' disk, also known as a jade annulus, which had an important role in Chinese history. First appearing during the mid–8th century BCE, it was cut into a ritual ''bi'' and recognized as an imperial treasure. The became the object of contention among the Warring States, stolen from Chu circa 4th century BCE, acquired by the Zhao, and temporarily traded to Qin in 283 BCE. When the Qin dynasty was founded in 221 BCE, the was carved into the Heirloom Seal of the Realm, symbol of the Mandate of Heaven, and subsequently transferred through successive Chinese dynasties until it was lost during the Five Dynasties era in the 10th century.

The early historicity of the stone is uncertain, though its great antiquity seems clear. The earliest mention of it is from the 3rd century BCE. The story of its finding is likely apocryphal. Whether it was turned into the Heirloom Seal of the Realm is also a matter of dispute. If it was turned into the seal, it was certainly lost by the time of the Ming dynasty. It has been used as a metaphor for a precious object since its earliest mentions. Provided by Wikipedia