Carving of cicada
Medium:Worked and polished jade
Geography: China
Date: Late 3rd century BC-early 1st Century AD
Period: Western Han Dynasty
Dimensions:5.2 x 2.6 x 0.6 cm
Object number: 918.7.150
Credit Line: The George Crofts Collection
Gallery Location:Joey and Toby Tanenbaum Gallery of China
DescriptionBecause of their periodical molting, cicadas were seen as a symbol of rebirth and eternal life. They are frequently found in Han tombs, often placed on the deceased's tongue.
