China, 18th-19th century. Finely carved as a pair of confronted cicadas with swaying wings atop a leaf with lobed edges and neatly incised veins, a small caterpillar clambering on the openworked stem, leaving behind small pierced holes in the leaf. The translucent stone of a white tone with pale brown shadings skillfully employed by the lapidary to create a striking contrast between the insects and the leaf.

Provenance: From a private collection in Austria.
Condition: Very good condition with minor wear and natural imperfections.

Weight: 35.3 g
Dimensions: Length 5.5 cm

The cicada's role in Chinese culture is a longstanding and fascinating one. Meanings associated with the insect range from simply indicating the onset of summer to more complex themes, such as rebirth and immortality. The cicada can even represent the pathos of nature, in which we are all prey in the end. In general Chinese lore, cicadas are creatures of high status. They are considered pure because they subsist on dew and lofty because of their perch in high treetops. An ancient analogy in China suggests that a high-ranking official should resemble a cicada: residing high, eating a pure diet, and with sharp eyes. Also in antiquity, the headgear of rulers and nobles incorporated a golden image of a cicada with prominent eyes. The emblem signaled refinement, modesty, and a full awareness of one's surroundings.

Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Sotheby's Hong Kong, 9 October 2022, lot 3699
Estimate: HKD 80,000 or approx. EUR 9,700 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A white and brown jade 'lotus' carving, Qing dynasty, 18th century
Expert remark: Compare the closely related white and pale brown shadings of the stone similarly incorporated in the carving to create contrast. Note the size (7 cm).