Round Cinnabar Lacquer Birdcage

c. 1900
$780 USD SOLD
Dimensions
H: 12.0" Dia: 11.25"
Materials
Materials
Stone
Bamboo
Porcelain
Lacquer
Hardstone
Ivory
Collection #
CFC444
Estimated Shipping
$200

This delicate birdcage was once home to the tiny pet bird of a Qing-dynasty aristocrat. Dated to the late 19th century, the round cage has a cylindrical form carefully assembled from thin bamboo rods finished with black lacquer. The base is decorated with vibrant, cinnabar-red lacquer carved in relief with flowered diamond-work, Shou longevity symbols, and bats - symbols of happiness. Several accessories decorate the cage, including five porcelain water cups and thin perch carved of bone in the form of a dragon. The cage is further decorated with a petite bamboo cricket cage and 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.

Not available to ship outside Illinois. Please call at 888-878-8628 for further information.

Questions? Ask us
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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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