This small belt hook is decorated with the head of a praying mantis and the body of a cicada. The cicada is a symbol of 'Immortality and of Happiness'. whereas the praying mantis represents 'Strength'. Belt hooks with praying mantids and cicadas are typical of the Song period (960 - 1279) but this one is probably of a later date. It was acquired in the Netherlands in 1975. Length 6.5 cm. Width 1.1 cm. Depth 1.6 cm. Weight 12.9 grams.