Creation

A cicada, in search of love, prepares to take flights after singing. It seems unaware of a mantis stealthily approaching to prey upon it. This is a vivid portrayal of the insect food chain and its inherent tension. Wu Ching explains that through this gold carving, he aimed to present the traditional Chinese saying, “the mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind,” suggesting the importance of foresight and caution to prevent unforeseen danger, while also revealing nature’s ecological balance. The artwork has been well received. While cicadas already appeared in the artist’s earlier pieces, the mantis stands out as a new motif here, with meticulously crafted details such as wing veins.