An exceptional late-19th century Chinese cloisonné enamel cricket case, made of brass, white metal and small iron bars. Circa 1880, impressed at the base.

The case is decorated with two dragons, scrolls and foliage on a blue ground, while the top is applied with a squirrel and a suspension hook. Of cylindrical form, this is a rare decorative piece.

Chinese Cloisonné Enamel Cricket Cage, c1880

£0.00

This is an antique piece, so there are small enamel chips and brass scratches and faults. There is only one squirrel left. Originally, however, there were 3 squirrels. The mark at the base is rubbed and unclear, and invites further research.

If you have any questions, or you require additional photos with the cricket cage in natural light, do not hesitate to contact us.
Traditionally, when someone moves into a new home, you will offer them a cricket in a cage, or you will simply put it near your bed and listen to the cricket’s heady singing, keeping the cricket as a pet. You would put food into the cage through the sliding door in the fence. Crickets are, indeed, very important in the Chinese tradition, as they symbolise happiness, luck, longevity, and eternal life.