199.
A ‘FAMILLE VERTE’ ENAMELED BISCUIT WATER DROPPER SHAPED AS A SQUIRREL
Qing dynasty, Kangxi period, late 17th–early 18th century
4 x 8 x 4,3 cm high
Provenance: Naples, Villa della Floridiana, Museo Duca di Martina, Placido de Sangro (1829-1891) collection.
inv. n. 3422.
The squirrel (songshu) is a symbol of longevity because the first of the two characters of its name is the same which identifies the pine tree, a widespread emblem of long life. The symbolism is further reinforced if the squirrel appears together with grapes because their name is tao which is homophonic of the character which identifies the peach, another well known symbol of longevity.
Related small sculptures are in the Porzellansammlung, Dresden, formerly in the collection of Augustus the Strong (1670-1733) (see for example inv. n. PO 4400); another similar item is in the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge (inv. n. C.10-1962).
