Cricket Cage

Detail of a pattern
Image 1 of 1
Download Image IIIF

Terms of Use

Usage Conditions Apply

At A Glance

  • Period

    19th century
  • Geography

    China
  • Material

    Gourd, ivory, tortoise shell
  • Dimension

    H x W: 12.7 x 7.1 cm (5 x 2 13/16 in)
  • Accession Number

    F1984.38.9a-c
  • EDAN ID

    edanmdm:fsg_F1984.38.9a-c

Object Details

  • Description

    The surface of the gourd is covered with an intricate design depicting a dragon flying amid swirling clouds. Carved into the bottom of the gourd is a four-character mark, Qianlong yuwan (Chn), literally, "imperial plaything of the Qianlong emperor"). The date cannot be taken at face value. The lid, formed of an outer ivory ring and a central tortoise shell, depicts a dragon.
  • Collection

    Freer Gallery of Art Collection
  • Origin

    China
  • Credit Line

    Purchase — Charles Lang Freer Endowment
  • Type

    Container
  • Restrictions and Rights

    Usage Conditions Apply

    There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page.

    The information presented on this website may be revised and updated at any time as ongoing research progresses or as otherwise warranted. Pending any such revisions and updates, information on this site may be incomplete or inaccurate or may contain typographical errors. Neither the Smithsonian nor its regents, officers, employees, or agents make any representations about the accuracy, reliability, completeness, or timeliness of the information on the site. Use this site and the information provided on it subject to your own judgment. The National Museum of Asian Art welcomes information that would augment or clarify the ownership history of objects in their collections.

Keep Exploring