Description:

East Asia, China, Qing Dynasty, ca. 19th century CE. A wonderful calcified white nephrite jade sculpture of a praying mantis depicted in a stylized fashion with conical body neatly delineated and ridged scrolls forming the wings. Resting upon a pair of bent forelegs, the insect presents an extended short neck and simply formed head with large, relief eyes and delineated mouth. A piercing through the wings and forelegs allow this lovely mantis to be worn as a pendant. In China, the praying mantis was appreciated for its skillful hunting with its long front legs. The term for "praying mantis" has the same pronunciation as the word for "handsome man" (lang), and the insect became a popular motif in Chinese art from the sixteenth century on. Size: 3.3" L x 0.8" W x 1.2" H (8.4 cm x 2 cm x 3 cm)

Provenance: private New Orleans, Louisiana, USA collection, acquired 1990s in the Caribbean

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#189132

  • Condition: Some minor surface wear as shown, but otherwise intact and excellent with copper deposits in areas. Wearable as a pendant.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

November 9, 2024 10:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 27.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000