Praying mantis and cicada garment hook

mid 10th - late 13th century

By the 6th century the praying mantis form dominated to such an extent that "praying mantis hook" (tanglang gou) became the common name for garment hooks. The cicada on its back alludes to a well-known proverb: "While the praying mantis catches the cicada, it does not notice the oriole coming from behind."

Nephrite

3 3/8 x 3/4 x 5/8 in. (8.57 x 1.91 x 1.59 cm)

Eugene Fuller Memorial Collection

33.1288

Not currently on view

Resources

Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Asian Art Museum, Chinese Art: A Seattle Perspective, Dec. 22, 2007 - July 26, 2009.

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