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) and it would not surprise us if this one dates from that period. It was acquired in the Netherlands in 1975. Length 6.5 cm. Width 1.1 cm. Depth 1.6 cm. Weight 12.9 grams.