Length : 2 3/4 inches (7 cm)
Eastern Zhou Dynasty (B.C. 770 - 221)

Provenance:

A private collection, New York

With an impeccable graphic proportion for a carving of a piece of stone into an insect, this dedicated craftsman fine tuned every detail and brought it as close to perfection as possible. The strong lines of ivory color the face and delineate the features, while two horizontal lines at the top of the neck and two softer lines in the middle of the amber neck emphasize an elegant elongated neck. The praying hands are a scroll-curved shape brought down to a rectangular angle. The entire body harmoniously suggests a ceremonial S shape silhouette - just like the Chou dynasty attire.

I would describe it as a darling piece... with its feeling of aliveness, as if breathing with the life of a living entity. One feels an ancient wisdom, the absolute clarity of feelings and thoughts, of presence and knowingness! One feels one could tap into this knowledge by living with this piece in ones environment.

Praying Mantis is also profoundly connected with Tai Chi (martial art) for thousands of years.