A TURQUOISE MINIATURE PENDANT OF A CICADA China, presumably Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The stone of a beautiful blueish hue and some darker inclusions, finely carved and incised to represent a cicada of an oblong shape and bulbous eyes. Central drilling showing ancient toolmarks. The cicada is a very important symbol of rebirth in Chinese culture. Amulets shaped as cicadas were used in burial rituals, as they symbolize hope for rebirth and immortality.

Publication: This lot will be catalogued in the book about the turquoise collection of Dr. Zelnik which is expected to be published in 2022.
Condition: Good condition with some minor, age-related wear.
Provenance: The collection of The Zelnik István Southeast Asian Gold Museum. Institutional art collection in Belgium, acquired from the above. Dr. István Zelnik, President of the Hungarian South and Southeast Asian Research Institute, is a former high-ranking Hungarian diplomat who spent several decades in Southeast Asia, building the largest known private collection of Asian art in Europe.

Weight: 6.7 g
Dimensions: Height 0.8 cm, Length 2.8 cm