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Fine Chinese Gourd & Ivory Cricket Box, Qing Dy  


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$2,660.00
DESCRIPTION: An exceptional gourd cricket box (or cage) with a fitted, intricately carved ivory cap. This finely molded box exemplifies the best of Chinese "gourd arts" with invisible seams, a complex design, and crisp impressions covering the body. Key-fret borders wrap around the shoulders, waist and foot with leafy floral designs between. The deeply pierced ivory lid is carved in the form of a dragon in the clouds with a flaming pearl. Rarely do we see a cricket box made with such craftsmanship; this is probably the finest we have ever offered. Excellent condition; no chips, splits or problems, and dating from the Qing Dynasty.

Keeping crickets has a long tradition in China dating back to the Tang Dynasty. They are still kept today as household or shop “pets,” admired for their chirping sound or used in sporting contests. Cricket boxes and cages were made in a variety of materials and sizes, some becoming quite elaborate works of art. DIMENSIONS: 6" high (15.2 cm) x 2 1/2" diameter (6.4 cm)

  Stock #SAO18


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