Cicadas are known for their exceptionally loud song. The insects spend most of their lives as underground nymphs, emerging only after 13 or 17 years which has created an image of longevity and rebirth. This one sits on a small log which is a common theme in Japanese netsuke. The carver of this one is however Chinese and his signature reads You Yi (友一). Length 5.0 cm. Width 1.7 cm. Height 2.5 cm.