Property of a Distinguished Gentleman of Title Han Dynasty ...

Hammer

£1,000

Property of a Distinguished Gentleman of Title

Han Dynasty (202 BC-9 AD, 25–220 AD)
Cicada
Carved Jade (?)

Archaic jade cicadas were treasures of the Han Dynasty and were of great importance to funerary rituals. To console the spirits of the dead, it was customary to bury their effects with them so they could enjoy them in the afterworld.

In Chinese legend, the cicada is a symbol of rebirth. Since its shape and size are similar to the tongue, it was often placed in the mouth of the deceased to bring him back to life.

Dimensions: 
18.5 (L) x 11.25 (W) x 5 cm. (D)