SILVER-PLATED CRICKET CAGE.
19th c.

Silver and partly gilt. Silver wire worked in filigreed manner. Oval box with hinged lid. The sides pierced and filigreed with blossoms; fruit; and decorative ribbons.
14.5x26x21cm. Condition A/B.

The keeping of crickets was a very popular pastime for centuries in all of Europe and Asia.

In his famous work "Insektenbelustigung" (Insect Amusement) August Johann R鰏el von Rosenhof compares in the middle of the 18th century the charming singing of crickets with a small siver bell. Rosenhof further writes:"und als ich einmal welche in einer
Schachtel nach Hause trug; so n鰐igte mich ihr Geschrey meine Schritte zu verdoppeln; aus
Furcht ich m鰃te manchen; der solches h鰎te; zum Gel鋍hter werden..." "and when I once carried some home in a box; their cry obliged me to double my pace out of fear that I may become the object of laughter of those that heard."Art trade; Van Ham.