The Bi disk comes from around Luoyang, China. It was created in around the 3rd or 4th century BCE during the Eastern Zhou dynasty. The bi disk is made of Jade (nephrite) which symbolizes superior beings and believed to have magical powers to protect the dead. Jade is a very hard material to work with and the traditional tools that were used with stone would not have worked. The disks were formed by tumblr_mv8xswkjXb1sm9mxoo1_1280grinding, piercing, engraving, and polishing the material.

The disk has a hollow center, or a hole which was thought to be the link to heaven for this who had passed. On this disk there are three dragons. The middle dragon was thought to be the one who lead the dead to heaven. In the Chinese culture, dragons symbolize good fortune and flew between earth and heaven. Having a dragon disk symbolized the rulers power to mediate between heaven and earth.

 

The Fang Ding was found in the Tomb of Lady Hao. It was created in about 12o BCE during the Shang Dynasty. The Fang Dingfang_ding_lady_hao1347404842492 is a vessel connected with rituals and served as offerings for for and wine. When the owner of the vessel passed away, the vessel was buried with him or her. It is made of bronze with a square body and four legs. This particular vessel is the largest to of the hundreds found in royal tombs . This vessel is decorated with intricate images of animals such as birds and dragons. The most noticeable design is the large stylized face with represents a mask of the Chinese god of greed and power. The mask was supposed to protect the owner and install him with strength and power for the after life.