Square Bamboo Birdcage with Porcelain Waterpots

c. 1850
$880 USD
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Dimensions
W: 10.5" D: 9.25" H: 19.5"
Materials
Bamboo
Porcelain
Metal
Purchase Quantity
Collection #
CFC449
Estimated Shipping
$388

This delicate wooden birdcage was once home to the tiny pet bird of a Qing-dynasty aristocrat. Dated to the mid-19th century, the square cage is precisely assembled from thin bamboo rods and has a removable base, a large metal hook, and a sliding opening on one side. A wooden perch runs through the middle of the cage, textured with sand and held in place by two carved wooden charms.

Five petite cups for holding water and birdseed are affixed to the sides of the cage, three decorated in the style of blue-and-white underglaze and two in the style famille rose enamelware. The cage is further decorated with protective charms of carved ivory, jade, and agate. A fantastic collector's item, we love this petite birdcage as a storied sculptural object or the new home for a feathered friend.

From the collection of Frances and Gary Comer.

Porcelain water pots and other accessories will be packaged separately during shipping.

Due to its fragility, this item is only available via white glove delivery or local pickup.

Questions? Ask us
The Homes of Chinese Songbirds

Bird-keeping was a popular pastime throughout the Qing dynasty and inspired its own material culture of beautiful cages and fine accessories. Carried around from place to place, luxurious songbird cages were as much an accessory as they were a functional object.

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