Tongue amulet in the form of a cicada

Object Details

• Description

  (Jenny F. So, October 17, 1996) This cicada shows a distinctly triangular cross section, the highest point forming a ridge that separates the wings on the back of the insect. A dense series of hair thin lines separates the head from the thorax. Curls embellish the joints at the wings and body. On the underside, horizontal lines mark the body segments, and C and T curls filled with fine cross hatching occupy the upper half. A perforation runs the entire length from mouth to tail. (Translucent pale yellowish white jade with yellow patches.)

• Collection

  Arthur M. Sackler Collection

• Exhibition History

  Cicadas (May 28 to June 17, 2004)

  Chinese Jade Animals (April 19 to July 14, 1996)

  In Praise of Ancestors: Ritual Objects from China (September 28, 1987 to January 1, 1989)

• Origin

  China

• Credit Line

  Gift of Arthur M. Sackler

• Type

  Ceremonial Object

• Restrictions and Rights

  Usage Conditions Apply

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Keep Exploring

• Related Resources

  collections.si.edu

• Date

  BCE 0s, 200s

• Place

  China

• Topic

  Art, Insects, Chinese Art, Nephrite, Funerary, Jade, Cicada, Protection, Han dynasty (206 BCE - 220 CE)

• Culture

  Chinese

• Object Type

  Ceremonial objects