Northeast China, Hongshan culture, Neolithic Period, ca. 3800 to 2700 BCE. A green turquoise pendant from the Neolithic Honghan culture, carved in the form of a cicada with a sweet visage comprised of round, bulging eyes, and a finely delineated wings and body. This example is laterally perforated under the head and was likely worn as a pendant or attached to clothing. Size: 1.75" L (4.4 cm)

For many years, scholars believed that Chinese civilization began in the Yellow River valley, but now we know that there were actually earlier cultures both north and south of this region. The Hongshan culture, comprised of a group of Neolithic peoples who lived in the far north-east, in what is modern-day Liaoning province and Inner Mongolia, created a sophisticated society and erected elaborate ceremonial sites that oftentimes included valuable works like this rock crystal turtle pendant.

Provenance: Ex-Private LA County collection formed over the period between 1980 and 2000; Ex-Peter Klika collection.

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#119846

Small abraded area near wing.