19th Century Brass Cricket Box.

European style Asian brass cricket box, made to house pet or fighting crickets. This dates far back in Chinese and some Asian cultures. In late summer and autumn, mature male crickets were collected and traded in major cities.
Crickets are meticulously weighed and matched by weight class. Placed in a small arena, trainers use fine reeds or brushes to goad the insects into fighting. Crickets did not fight to the death and cricket fighting rarely caused injuries to the insects. The fight was ended and decided when one insect turns its back or attempts to flee.
This interesting box is in good condition and measures 4.5 x 3.25 x 2.25 inches high.

Code: 31498