Jade Cicada, Western Han dynasty (206 BCE-8 CE)

Jade Cicada, Western Han dynasty (206 BCE-8 CE)

• Image Number: K1C002178N000000000PAC
• Dynasty: Western Han dynasty
• Category: Jades
• Function: Ming ware, clothing and accessories
• Material: Minerals/Jade Jewelry/Jade
• Description:
  Most of the jade cicadas in the Han Dynasty are dark green jade, and the workmanship is simple. This is because the function of the cicadas is to place them in the mouth of the deceased nobles in order to become the funeral jade of rebirth. Therefore, the selection and polishing methods are customized. Because of the way of use, the cicada does not need to be tied and pierced. However, this piece has perforations through the top and bottom, which is why later generations did not know the original function of the cicada and changed it to wear a jade pendant. The front and back of this piece even added inscriptions to mention Xiang Yuanbian and others. The Xiang family (1525-1590) was a great collector in the late Ming Dynasty. It can be seen that the inscriptions were later carved in the late Ming Dynasty or before the Biancang Qing House to increase the collection value, which is a typical example of the commercialization of jade.