A Chinese porcelain box with a domed cover, decorated in underglaze blue porcelain with a highly unusual enamel on biscuit finial. It is in the shape of a vine branch, with two squirrels nibbling on grapes. The combination of squirrel and grapes can be read as the Chinese well-wishing expression for abundant fortunes and offspring.
The Chinese name for the industrious and auspicious squirrel (songshu 松), literally translates as “pine tree rat” – as squirrels and rats share the same character (shu 鼠). The first part of its name - (song 松) pine tree – is also a popular emblem of longevity. Therefore, in the Chinese visual culture, squirrels represent diligence, prosperity, and long life. The visual pairing of squirrels with grapes (songshu putao 松鼠葡萄), is a particularly popular auspicious Chinese motif. Grapevines, like squirrels, are associated with strong reproductive vitality, as its fruit grows abundantly in large clusters. Their winding, spreading branches also embody family lineage and continuity. When squirrels and grapes are depicted together, they convey a blessing for longevity and the flourishing of the family line through many descendants.
