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SAM'S collection
Photo: Susan Cole
Birdcage, hexagon
Photo: Susan Cole

Birdcage, hexagon

Date1850-1920
Label TextThis birdcage reflects luxurious dimensions of pet ownership, accessible to the wealthy by the end of the imperial era. Carved bamboo offers a lighter, delicate aesthetic—and a stately habitat for an animal prized for its song or plumage. The hexagon shape refers to the form of a pavilion and reflects the value placed by an aficionado on a rare bird.
Object number2007.9
Photo CreditPhoto: Susan Cole
Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Asian Art Museum, Su-Mei Tse: East Wind, Apr. 5 - Dec. 7, 2008. Seattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, Pure Amusements: Wealth, Leisure, and Culture in Late Imperial China, Dec. 24, 2016 - May 15, 2022.Published ReferencesYiu, Josh. "The Chinese Connection and the Chinese Collection at the Seattle Art Museum," A Community of Collectors, Seattle, WA: Seattle Art Museum, 2008, p. 165, illus. 142.
Credit LineGift of Henry and Mary Ann James, in honor of the 75th Anniversary of the Seattle Art Museum
Dimensions22 x 9 x 9 in. (55.9 x 22.9 x 22.9 cm)
MediumBamboo, metal
Photo: Susan Cole
Chinese
1850-1920
Object number: 2007.8
Chinese
1850-1920
Object number: 2007.16
Chinese
1850-1920
Object number: 2007.18
Chinese
1850-1920
Object number: 2007.11
Ink stone and cover
Chinese
18th century
Object number: 53.32.2
Archaic Dragons
Chinese
early 19th century
Object number: 54.43