PROVENANCE:
Beijing Hanhai, August 1998

The decorative motif of the present lot exhibits clusters of grapes with their multiple fruits symbolizing fertility, continuity of the family line, abundance, and vigorous growth. The squirrels of North China were known to be very productive. Taken together, the combination of squirrels and grapes, it not only adds a whimsical artistic touch, it also reinforced the symbolic significance of the grapes.