Quite an unusual Qing Dynasty jade carving of a mantis, cicada and oriole (bird); each positioned atop one another. The symbolism of this combination is rooted in Taoism which provides a clue to its Qing origins. The story, ‘The Mantis hunts the Cicada,‘ was originally told by Zhuang Zi, a sage from the Warring States era.
In the story, Zhuang Zi is in an orchard when he notices an oriole which he decides to hunt. While stalking his prey, the oriole alights on a branch whereupon Zhuang Zi notices its fixation on a mantis, who in turn was focused on hunting a cicada. Such was Zhuang Zi‘s focus on the bird that he didn‘t notice that he was also being watched by the orchard‘s owner who proceeded to chase him from his property.
The story served as a lesson to both Zhuang Zi and his students by elucidating the need to be aware of your surroundings. This is a part of Taoist teachings, situational awareness of the things around you and the places in which you exist.
The shape and size of this piece place it in the category of a scholar‘s handling piece. An object designed to encourage thought and reflection.
Length: 6.8 cm
At Antiquus, we have been trading professionally in antiques for several generations. We stand by all our descriptions and antiques appraisals and valuations. Our specialists have studied extensively with post-graduate degrees in the arts.
If you are in doubt about anything please do feel free to ask and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Please feel free to contact us for more details about this piece, including additional images (we will be working on video clips in future). Reasonable offers are always carefully considered.
Exchanges and returns
We accept returns and exchanges if the item is found to be at fault or does not meet the description provided. You must advise us within 30-days of receipt. Please provide as much detail as possible.
Return postage and packing are at your cost.
In the story, Zhuang Zi is in an orchard when he notices an oriole which he decides to hunt. While stalking his prey, the oriole alights on a branch whereupon Zhuang Zi notices its fixation on a mantis, who in turn was focused on hunting a cicada. Such was Zhuang Zi‘s focus on the bird that he didn‘t notice that he was also being watched by the orchard‘s owner who proceeded to chase him from his property.
The story served as a lesson to both Zhuang Zi and his students by elucidating the need to be aware of your surroundings. This is a part of Taoist teachings, situational awareness of the things around you and the places in which you exist.
The shape and size of this piece place it in the category of a scholar‘s handling piece. An object designed to encourage thought and reflection.
Length: 6.8 cm
At Antiquus, we have been trading professionally in antiques for several generations. We stand by all our descriptions and antiques appraisals and valuations. Our specialists have studied extensively with post-graduate degrees in the arts.
If you are in doubt about anything please do feel free to ask and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Please feel free to contact us for more details about this piece, including additional images (we will be working on video clips in future). Reasonable offers are always carefully considered.
Exchanges and returns
We accept returns and exchanges if the item is found to be at fault or does not meet the description provided. You must advise us within 30-days of receipt. Please provide as much detail as possible.
Return postage and packing are at your cost.