Title
Cicada Ornament
Year/Period
early 20th century
Region
Singapore
Material
Dimension
Object size: 1.9 x 1.2 x 0.4 cm
Accession No.
2016-00837
Collection of
Credit Line
Gift of Winson Tan in memory of the late Edward Tan TL
This is cicada ornament made from filigree work. Cicadas are associated with regeneration and long life and are symbols of immortality in Chinese art. It is likely that this ornament was originally sewn onto a textile such as a ceremonial handkerchief or a wedding headband.This ornament is part of a group donation from descendants of Tan Kim Seng and Tan Jiak Kim. Both were wealthy merchants, philanthropists and leaders of the local Hokkien community.
