Cricket cage and stand
late 19th century
Medium
containers
Classification
containers
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Eleanor and Sarah Hewitt
Accession Number
1916-40-10-a,b
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Step into the intriguing world of 19th-century curiosities with the *Cricket Cage and Stand a delicate container from the late 1800s now housed in the Smithsonian American Museum. Crafted by an unknown artist, this falls under the museum's classification of containers, generously gifted by collectors Eleanor and Sarah Hewitt. research continues to uncover more details, it exemplifies the era's fascination with functional yet ornamental objects, blending utility with subtle artistry. In the late 19th century, cricket cages like this one served as portable homes for the insects, often cherished as pets for their melodic chirps or in traditions of gentle amusement. Perched on its dedicated stand, this example highlights the craftsmanship of everyday items, where form met purpose in decorative design. Such artifacts reflect broader cultural exchanges, as Western interest in exotic hobbies grew alongside global trade. Though specifics of its creation remain under study, the cage invites us to ponder the whimsical intersections of nature, leisure, and design in Victorian-era life—a charming reminder of how even the smallest companions inspired human ingenuity. (178 words)
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...