Hens on nests are pretty common.  I started my mini-collection as a fluke.  Bought one….it looked pretty on a white shelf….bought another for company…and now I have a few in different shapes and colours.  I don’t know much about them.  Some are vintage and some are not.  This piece is jadeite.  It is not marked so I have no idea of its provenance.  I bought it at my favourite, local antique shop, Under the Toadstool.  Last weekend I was in there and the owner had a very large piece (mine is medium sized).  I was tempted, but was good and resisted.  There are only so many hens on baskets that one woman can own.  Marie did tell me that she has had a recent run on them with one woman buying 5 or 6 for her husband’s collection!  I don’t keep anything in mine, but I gather folks use them as serving pieces/butter crocks, etc.  What interests me about them is the variation in the nests.  All types of weaves and edging.