Archaic Cicada
2nd century BCE
Physical Qualities
Calcified jade, 1/8 x 15/16 x 1 3/4 in. (0.3 x 2.4 x 4.4 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of Laurance P. and Isabel S. Roberts, Baltimore
Object Number
2000.348
Symbolic of rebirth and immortality, cicadas such as this one were used to plug the body's orifices as part of preparing the deceased for burial.
The Baltimore Museum of Art by gift, 2000; Laurance P. and Isabel S. Roberts, Baltimore
Frances Klapthor, The Baltimore Museum of Art, "Chinese Mortuary Ceramics from the Collection," December 2008-December 2009.
