Chinese Jade Cicada

A cicada in pale jade, still waiting out the long dark.

Chinese jade carvers of the 19th century cut this cicada from pale, creamy jade. The cicada has been linked in China with rebirth, and jade cicadas are commonly known from early burials. Here the body is smooth and tapered, with incised wing lines running back from the shoulders. The segmented abdomen is cut in stepped rings, and the large round eyes project at the head. The stone is milky white, with faint clouding and a soft shine.

About five inches long and two wide. A good thing to keep on a desk and a better thing to hold.