- 341
A PARTLY CALCIFIED CELADON JADE CICADA WESTERN HAN DYNASTY
Estimate
50,000 - 70,000 HKD
bidding is closed
Description
- jade
modelled in the form of a stylised cicada with carved details, the stone of a pale celadon colour with extensive calcified areas
Condition
The figure is in overall good condition. There are expected minor nicks along the edges and extensive areas of calcification.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
Clear and lustrous, this smoothly polished green jade cicada is marked by a large area of chicken-bone white calcification. The present lot is carved on both sides, and the concise engraving strokes are smoothly done in intaglio and vividly portray the cicada’s outer shell, wings, and abdomen. This method of concise carving is also known as “Han splitting”.
During the Han dynasty, death was viewed as another kind of birth, and jade burial objects, or jade objects specially made to preserve the body of the deceased, were very common. The four major groups of jade burial objects consisted of jade burial suits, jade plugs, jade mouth pieces (often in the shape of a cicada), and jade hand-held objects (often in semi-circular shapes or in the shape of a pig). People in ancient times believed that cicadas symbolised loftiness and purity because they perched on high branches and lived on sweet dew. Cicadas shed skins but do not die, but instead revive repeatedly, thus becoming a popular type of burial jade objects during the Han dynasty. Archaeological studies have proved that jade cicadas without pierced holes were used specially as jade mouth pieces.
During the Han dynasty, death was viewed as another kind of birth, and jade burial objects, or jade objects specially made to preserve the body of the deceased, were very common. The four major groups of jade burial objects consisted of jade burial suits, jade plugs, jade mouth pieces (often in the shape of a cicada), and jade hand-held objects (often in semi-circular shapes or in the shape of a pig). People in ancient times believed that cicadas symbolised loftiness and purity because they perched on high branches and lived on sweet dew. Cicadas shed skins but do not die, but instead revive repeatedly, thus becoming a popular type of burial jade objects during the Han dynasty. Archaeological studies have proved that jade cicadas without pierced holes were used specially as jade mouth pieces.