A GREEN JADE CARVING OF A CICADA HONGSHAN CULTURE, NEOLITHIC PERIOD

carved as a cicada, the ridges of its body and protruding eyes subtly carved, with two small apertures on each side for attachment, the smoothly polished stone of a rich green tone mottled with areas of calcification

Exquisite Jade Carving, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 1996, cat. no. 48.

The overall condition is very good. The actual colour of the stone is quite close to the catalogue illustration.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Finished to a smooth polish, a tactile quality is created through the gentle ridges of this highly-stylised piece. Two closely related examples are published in Zhongguo meishu quanji. Yuqi, vol. 9, Beijing, 1991, pl. 8 and 9; and another from the Simon Kwan collection was included in the exhibition Chinese Archaic Jades from the Kwan Collection, Art Gallery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1994, cat. no. 24. Compare also a cicada of similar form, but with more carved detailing, illustrated in Roger Keverne, Jade, London, 1991, p. 63, fig. 23.

The cicada is a symbol of cyclical resurrection and immortality, as its life cycle involves a larva that burrows deep into soil for two or three years of torpor before emerging alive, ready to split and reveal the adult insect. Thus, jade cicadas were placed in the mouths of the dead as amulets.