At The Toy Boat we have curated a collection of lovely old Chinese Cricket boxes.
In most Asian cultures crickets were kept as pets. Throughout history, the cricket has been a symbol of good fortune. The traditions involving crickets date back over 2000 years. During the tang Dynasty (500 BC-618 AD) crickets were kept in little cages so their singing could be enjoyed.
The cages that offered crickets temporary housing, were made from various materials. Ivory, bone, wood, bamboo, wire, metal, and woven materials. Most of these houses were between 2-6 inches. They often featured a tiny door and the more detailed styles had a water bowl inside. Many also had a hook or cord on top so they could be hung as well as set on a table.
Art in their own right, these little cages are now quite hard to find. We continue to seek them out for our collectors. They are not toys. However, they are an amazing collectible for those interested in nature, Asian culture, or those who find them aesthetically appealing.
In modern references, crickets, and their cages can still be noted, Pinocchio, A Cricket in Time Square, The Last Emperor, and Mulan. Are all such examples.
To have a cricket on the hearth is the luckiest thing in all the world” Charles Dickens
View our selection of Cricket Boxes.
We also carry useable critter boxes for active children.
Finding sea glass means finding treasure!
Sea glass originates from bottles and glassware, broken into many pieces and tumbled about in the ocean. Some pieces of sea glass may have been swept out to sea, or fallen overboard—or even come from stranded ships and shipwrecks! For many years, these pieces of glass were rolled around the ocean, until their edges were worn off and the shine of the glass became smooth and frosted.
Sea Glass and Beach Glass
There are two different types of this treasured glass: sea glass and beach glass. The difference? Sea glass comes from salt water, and beach glass comes from fresh water. Sea glass, due to the salt, sand, and pH of seawater, has a heavy frosted look. Beach glass, on the other hand, is less frosted. Either way, experts estimate that a piece of glass takes over twenty years to take on the unique characteristics of beach glass and sea glass!
Sea Glass at the Toy Boat
At The Toy Boat, you'll find an amazing collection of sea glass. We theorize that some pieces are from ships that were stuck on the shoals nearby, while others may have travelled for many miles. If you're interested in sea glass, we have small canning jars filled with it! No two jars are ever the same, but the range of sizes and colors in sea glass are sure to delight. Add a jar to your own collection to give it a splash of color, use it in crafts of jewelry making, or just open the jar to explore the amazing colors and patterns.
Our sea glass is available only in limited quantities! Make sure to order yours online or stop by to pick yours up today!