Chinese Toggle Depicting a Cicada

A cicada in pale green stands stiff at attention, wings folded flat.

This toggle depicting a cicada is from China, and dates to the 20th century. It is jade. Jade was generally the most preferred and valued material for toggles, a precious stone integral to Chinese culture since the Neolithic Period and often called the stone of heaven. The insect is shown from above with bulging eyes, a broad head and long folded wings that taper to a square end. The surface is smooth and slightly cloudy, with rusty-brown mottling across the lower body and edges. It is 2.75 inches wide, 1.25 deep and 0.25 high.

Buzz suspended, dignity fully intact.