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Home | Decorative Arts | Antique Chinese Carved Bone Hanging Singing Cricket Cage

Antique Chinese Carved Bone Hanging Singing Cricket Cage

$179.00
$179.00

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Antique Chinese Carved Bone Singing Cricket Cage - A Decorative Pavilion Design - 50.19 grams

Traditionally used to house a prized singing cricket

Originally crafted to house a prized singing cricket, this charming two-story Chinese cricket cage reflects a centuries-old tradition in which the gentle song of a single cricket was appreciated much like a songbird or wind chime. 

Today it stands as a fascinating miniature work of craftsmanship and a wonderful conversation piece for collectors of Asian decorative arts. Its delicate openwork construction highlights the artisan's skill while creating an object that is both sculptural and historically significant. 

The attached silk suspension cord allowed the cage to be carried or hung from a belt, sash or a scholar's robe, attached to a walking staff or hung indoors near a window where the cricket's song could be enjoyed. Much like carrying a watch fob in the Victorian era, it was a personal object that could accompany its owner.

Imagine a scholar strolling through a garden with this tiny cage gently swinging from his sash while a single cricket chirped softly. That image suddenly makes the object feel much more alive. 

An exceptional addition to any collection of Asian antiques, ethnographic art, or miniature carvings. #90

Details 

Material: Handcrafted from carved bone

Design: Intricate openwork carving

            Two-story cylindrical design 

            Liftable access doors on each level 

            Carved base

            Braided silk suspension cord with an amber-colored bead accent

Accent: Scrimshaw-style bird motif engraving along the top

Condition: Excellent antique condition 

Why You'll Love It 

✔ Traditional Chinese cultural art 

✔ Intricately hand carved 

✔ Wonderful conversation piece 

✔ Unique collector's item 

✔ Beautiful miniature sculpture 

Curator's Note:

The truly serious cricket keepers didn't simply catch a cricket and stick it in a cage. They often:

  • selected particular species,
  • listened to the quality of the chirp,
  • fed them special diets,
  • and in some cases even kept them warm during winter.

To us it may sounds unusual. To them it was no different than someone caring for a prized canary or koi fish.



  • Gemstone = Bone
  • Condition = Very Good Antique Condition
  • Art Medium = Bone
  • Color = Off White
  • AccentDetails1 = Scrimshaw - Bird Design
  • AccentDetails2 = Two-story cylindrical design
  • AccentDetails3 = Liftable access doors on each level
  • AccentDetails4 = 3"(h) x 1.75"(diameter)
  • Detail 5 = Braided silk suspension cord & bead


Item Number: 20758-81

Item ID: 109804

Category: Decorative Arts

Note: This item has been inspected and appraised by a GIA Graduate Gemologist NAJA Appraiser.

Diamond origin is tested using a GIA iD100 Gem Testing Device. Unless indicated otherwise, all diamonds are to be considered natural, earth-mined diamonds. All man-made, laboratory-grown, laboratory-created, or synthetic diamonds are well marked on the price tag as well as in the website description.

All diamond and gemstone grading is done under GIA standards as the mounting permits. All gemstone weights and measurements are approximate. Unless otherwise stated, colored gemstones may have commonly used clarity and color enhancing treatments per industry standards.

Prospective buyers should note that all jewelry we sell is 'used' and will likely have some amount of wear, we warranty that the item will be essentially as we have described it, but no other warranties are expressed or implied, and all items are sold 'as is'.

All sales are final. 
 
We will not grant a refund or issue credit, no exceptions.
 
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However, we want to remind our customers that most of our items are used, and as such it is possible that items may have minor superficial condition issues which may not have been disclosed in the description, but that a person could expect when buying used items. While we won't accept items with noticeable pet hair or pet dander, we cannot guarantee that items have always been in a pet-free home.
 
Because of this, we RECOMMEND that you visit our store to inspect the item personally to ensure you are satisfied with it BEFORE you make your purchase. 
 
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Important: All items for consignment must be pre-approved by Upscale Consignment before making arrangements to have the items delivered to us.

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