The objects in this case were used for pet crickets! Dried squash for houses- cages for carrying- dishes for feeding- brushes for tickling and even some rings for staging cricket fights. 

Clockwise from top left: Cricket Trap or Fight Arena, Chinese, Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Pottery, 1 3/4 x 6 1/4 inches (4.445 x 15.875 cm). Gift of Fanny Pomeroy Brown. 41-39/30 A; Cricket Cage, Chinese, Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Moulded gourd with ivory top. 5 3/4 x 2 1/12 inches (14.61 x 6.35 cm). Gift of Fanny Pomeroy Brown. 41-39/12; Cricket Dish, Chinese, Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Ivory, 1 inch (2.54 cm). Gift of Fanny Pomeroy Brown. 41-39/35; Cricket Restrainer, Chinese, Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Wire mesh. 6 1/2 x 3 1/4 inches (16.51 x 8.255 cm). Gift of Fanny Pomeroy Brown. 41-39/25;

People also kept crickets because they were such good singers. Listen to crickets singing and imagine what it might be like to own a cricket.

 

  • Does your family have pet? 
  • What kinds of things do you do to make your pet happy? 
  • What does your pet do that makes you happy? 

In China, crickets were not only kept as good luck pets, they were trained athletes!

  • What sports does your family watch?
  • Do you have a favorite athlete? 

 

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