Pictures below show a very interesting 19th century Chinese silver and cloisonné enamel cricket cage in my collection.
The cage were handmade and feature a tiny door that slides open and shut. On the top of the cricket cage is a small hook or eyelet that can be used to hang it for decoration. Crickets live for years, and get larger and larger, when they must be put into larger cages. Although cricket cages do come in various sizes, this one is 8.5cm high and 7cm in diameter.
When it comes to Chinese superstition, the cricket plays a critical role. It symbolises a fighting spirit and in Imperial China, children would shake them out of the trees to train for cricket fights. The cricket's gentle chirping noises are thought to calm the mind and soothe the spirit. Throughout history, they have resembled intelligence and good fortune. In fact, if a person were to harm a cricket, it was believed they would have great misfortune. Even today, in parts of Eastern Asia, the male cricket will be caged so people can enjoy the sound they make.
19th century Chinese silver and cloisonné enamel cricket cage.
When the cage door is opened.
The cloisonné enamel at the top part of the cage.
The clearer view of the cloisonné enamel work.
The base of the cage with the mark "足银", meaning "fine silver".
Also check on the "Chinese Porcelain Covered Cricket Box".
The cage were handmade and feature a tiny door that slides open and shut. On the top of the cricket cage is a small hook or eyelet that can be used to hang it for decoration. Crickets live for years, and get larger and larger, when they must be put into larger cages. Although cricket cages do come in various sizes, this one is 8.5cm high and 7cm in diameter.
When it comes to Chinese superstition, the cricket plays a critical role. It symbolises a fighting spirit and in Imperial China, children would shake them out of the trees to train for cricket fights. The cricket's gentle chirping noises are thought to calm the mind and soothe the spirit. Throughout history, they have resembled intelligence and good fortune. In fact, if a person were to harm a cricket, it was believed they would have great misfortune. Even today, in parts of Eastern Asia, the male cricket will be caged so people can enjoy the sound they make.
19th century Chinese silver and cloisonné enamel cricket cage.
When the cage door is opened.
The cloisonné enamel at the top part of the cage.
The clearer view of the cloisonné enamel work.
The base of the cage with the mark "足银", meaning "fine silver".Also check on the "Chinese Porcelain Covered Cricket Box".
No comments:
Post a Comment