He Shi Bi Ornament

The Heshi Bi is the most legendary jade in Chinese history. It derives its name from the story of Bian He’s jade offering: During the Spring and Autumn Period, Bian He, a man from the state of Chu, presented two raw jade stones that were mistaken for stones. He was subsequently cut off both feet, and finally, King Wen ordered someone to cut open the stone, revealing a rare and beautiful jade.
During the Warring States period, this jade was lost in the state of Zhao, leading to the anecdote of King Zhaozhao of Qin offering to exchange it for fifteen cities. Lin Xiangru was ordered to go to Qin, and with his wisdom and courage, he successfully returned the jade to Zhao, safeguarding the dignity of the country.
After the Qin Dynasty conquered the six states, Emperor Qin Shi Huang carved the He Shi Bi into the imperial jade seal, inscribing the eight characters “Appointed by Heaven, Longevity and Prosperity”. Since then, it has become a symbol of the imperial power being granted by heaven, and emperors of successive dynasties have vied for its inheritance. However, during the Later Tang Dynasty in the Five Dynasties period, the imperial jade seal mysteriously disappeared along with the last emperor’s self-immolation, and its whereabouts have remained a mystery for thousands of years.