409 - (R) A JADE CICADA, LIGHT GREEN JADE, CHINA, SUNG TO MING DYNASTY, 12TH TO 16TH CENTURY

(R) A JADE CICADA, LIGHT GREEN JADE, CHINA, SUNG TO MING DYNASTY, 12TH TO 16TH CENTURY Dimensions: Height 7,2 cm Wide 4 cm Depth 1,3 cm Weight: 55,6 grams Carved in the form of a stylised cicada with folded wings, the front delicately incised with scrolling motifs and archaistic patterns, the reverse more sparsely worked with simplified linear details. The stone is of an even, translucent light green tone with subtle natural inclusions and areas of soft polish. Jade cicadas have a long tradition in Chinese material culture and were closely associated with notions of rebirth, immortality, and moral purity. From the Song dynasty onwards, such carvings often reflect a restrained aesthetic, favouring elegant outlines and refined surface treatment over heavy relief, a tendency that continued into the Ming period. For lots marked with (R), a 19% VAT is added to the combined hammer price and commission. This VAT is waived for: - Private buyers outside the EU who officially export the items. - Businesses inside the EU holding a valid VAT number, exporting to their home country. Proper export documentation is required to waive the VAT