In Chinese mythology the cicada is a symbol of rebirth. During the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD) cicada-shaped jade was often placed in the mouth of the deceased to preserve the soul and ensure safe passage into the afterlife. Rather than serving primarily as a funerary tongue-plug for physical resurrection, the jade carving of cicadas in the Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD) embodied purity, high moral character, loftiness, and spiritual renewal. Artisans used prime nephrite jades, sometimes featuring natural russet or brown inclusions in the stone. This style echoes a major shift away from the minimalist burial amulets of earlier eras toward naturalistic, artistic, and scholar-pleasing ornate objects. Sir William Burrell collected several ancient jade cicadas, and this delicate piece was bought for £15 from dealer Spink & Son on the 2nd of March 1948. Join Burrell Collection Curator Dr Yupin Chung for a deep-autumn talk exploring why cicadas sing in November, and the nature of wearing jade ‘accessories in life, “viaticum” in death.’ 生以爲佩, 死以爲琀。 Image: Two sides of Jade Cicada 22.94 © CSG CIC Glasgow Museums Collection

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