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18th Century Qing Dynasty Fish Shaped Cricket Holder

Offered by: Clive Devenish Antiques

Description
Uniquely fabulous and highly unusual item for those seeking something different; this 18th century "cricket holder" from the Qing Dynasty is in the shape of a fish and is made of hand wrought metal, with nice detail and an open woven body which provided air to the cricket. A sophisticated clasp locking mechanism on the underneath of the fish kept the pet cricket contained in the caged holder. Obviously this was intact when someone at some point in time tried to remove whatever was inside by making a hole at the base of the tail to get it out (see image). This hand held cricket cage holder is in very nice and all original condition, save for the small hole; not fragile in any way; sturdy in structure with no repairs.
For over 1000 years the Chinese have used crickets to keep as pets; typically for their "song", and also for good luck. Sometimes they were used for fighting other crickets for sport, especially in the Imperial court.

There are currently many souvenir and modern day "knock-off" cricket holders.
This is, in fact, an authentic, original, period example.

Dimensions: 4 3/4" long x 1 1/2" wide X 2" high.

More Information

Origin:	China
Period:	18th Century
Materials:	Metal,Hand-Crafted
Condition:	Good. Wear consistent with age and use. Hole in the back by the tail where someone had probably tried to open while locking mechanism was in tact.
Styles / Movements:	Traditional
Incollect Reference #:	629586

Dimensions

W.	1.5 in;	H.	2 in;	D.	4.75 in;
W.	3.81 cm;	H.	5.08 cm;	D.	12.07 cm;

Message from Seller:

We are specialists in the field of antique mechanical coin banks. These rare and unique items were sold during the late 1800's and early 1900's to encourage and educate young children on the importance of saving money, with the majority of them having been made in America. We are leading experts in this field and one of the foremost dealers, having traded in mechanical banks since 1976.