One of Japan's ceramic wares that is highly appreciated by Americans is Satsuma wares. It is the admiration for its soft crackled glazed body, decorated with intricate hand-painted designs and used of gold as accents. This is a small container with open slats, and its is a very elaborate home to hold crickets. It has an open head handle. and a large opening for easy access. The palette is typical Satsuma - red, blue and gold. The entire ceramic body is decorated with large red chrysanthemums, interspersed with pale blue and dark blue flowers. Satsuma paintings are like brocade, with gold but not overwhelming the object. Small objects in Satsuma are also very endearing because they are so delicate like a precious jewel. It is such a beautiful for a cricket. The many opening on the sides and on the cover provide ample ventilation for the insect. Obviously this is a summer cage, a winter cage will be more enclosed. It is artist signed.
Cricket fights has a long history in China and Japan. It is a game for little children but a serious game for adults. It is worth a google search for cricket fighting in China.
Date: Meiji Period, early 20th Century
Dimensions: 2.5" Diameter x 5" High