Fine Birdcage Traveling Case

c. 1900
$1,480 USD SOLD
Dimensions
W: 11.25" D: 10.5" H: 12.0"
Materials
Rosewood
Brass
Hardwood
Collection #
CFC462
Estimated Shipping
$150

The practice of keeping a small songbird as a pet is a longstanding tradition in China dating back to the early Qing dynasty. The Qianlong Emperor (1711-1799) particularly enjoyed raising pet birds, and the emperor’s fascination subsequently permeated China. With time, bird-keeping resulted in widespread social customs and inspired an entire material culture.

As much as bird keepers valued their pet songbirds, they equally valued the craftsmanship of their birdcages and luxe accessories. Special carrying cases made specifically for birdcages allowed owners to easily carry their birds and protect them from harm or bad weather. Exquisitely crafted from prized huali rosewood, this early 20th century traveling case has a clean-lined form decorated with intricate brass handles, hinges and locks. The cage is complete with a hinged front door fitted with an open work screen of thin rods and straight wooden partitions.

From the collection of Frances and Gary Comer.

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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Andrea Goldman | Andrea Goldman Design

“Over the years, I’ve incorporated many pieces from PAGODA RED into my designs. Not only can they balance new furnishings (and often new construction) by feeling more established, but the pieces emanate a sense of rich history, often leaving you wondering where they were in a previous life. These beautiful pieces carefully hand-selected by the team at PAGODA RED, coupled with their unbelievable customer service, make them a must-have for any home.”

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