Cricket cage 2nd half of the 18th century - 19th century 1800-1900

What was this cricket cage used for?

This cricket cage is made of porcelain and has a wooden stand. The incised pattern of this cricket cage would allow the sound of the crickets to be heard. Chinese people have kept crickets as pets for over 1000 years. They were first kept for the ‘songs’ they produce when they rub parts of their body together, but later cricket fighting developed as a popular sport. Gallery 38: China from AD 800

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