Description:

China, Hongshan, 3500 to 2200 BCE. A tutelary spirit figure depicting a cricket, expertly carved from a single piece of translucent, amber-hued stone. Tutelary spirits are community deities of creation and nature traditionally believed to serve as guides with divine power, symbols associated with villages populated by particular surnames and ancestry. A stunning example of spiritual art, replete with finely carved and incised details, rich red hues, and layers of meaning. Openwork under front legs and wings for suspension. Size: 2.5" L x 1.75" H (6.4 cm x 4.4 cm)

In early China, crickets served as symbols of longevity as well as the growing season. When crickets appeared each year, this was a signal to plant crops. When they disappeared in autumn, it was time to harvest the crops. Crickets have also been a traditional symbol of success and family size in China, as they lay hundreds of eggs prior to their demise. Adding another layer of symbolism, crickets have also been associated with music, given their chirping sounds.

Provenance: Ex-Private LA County collection formed over the period between 1980 and 2000; ex-Peter Klika collection

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#119841

  • Condition: Minor surface wear with near invisible abrasions.

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January 18, 2017 7:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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