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In China, the praying mantis was appreciated for its skillful hunting with its long front legs. The term for “praying mantis” has the same pronunciation as the word for “handsome man” (lang), and the insect became a popular motif in Chinese art from the sixteenth century on.
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明中期 雕漆剔彩螳螂秋菊紋盒
Title: Box with chrysanthemum and praying mantis
Period: Ming dynasty (1368–1644)
Date: 16th century
Culture: China
Medium: Carved red and black lacquer
Dimensions: H. 1 1/8 in. (2 cm); Diam. 2 3/4 in. (7 cm)
Classification: Lacquer
Credit Line: Gift of Florence and Herbert Irving, 2015
Object Number: 2015.500.1.47a, b
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