Exquisite and rare jade pendant of a bird with immorality cicada most likely comes from the Hongshan, a neolithic culture in northwest China (4700 to 2900 bce). Hongshan burial artifacts include some of the earliest known examples of jade working. This exhibits the classic ox-nose drilled holes behind the back for a cord. Although we do not know the exact meaning of bird motifs, the context of similar finds suggests that these anthropomorphic creatures were part of the religious or shamanic system. The cicada is a symbol of cyclical resurrection and immortality, as its life cycle involves a larva that burrows deep into soil for two or three years of torpor before emerging alive, ready to split and reveal the adult insect. Thus, jade cicadas were placed in the mouths of the dead as amulets, and featured, as found with this spirit guide, as a significant sculptural element. The figurative pendant is 1-1/2 inches long, 2-1/4 inches wide, and approximately 7/8 inches deep.

As with archaic jades, the carving has been cleaned to remove surface alteration from age however edge, surface wear, and stable fissures are visible. Centuries of patina are still evident but only increase the natural beauty.