Chinese art has many themes that spread across different medium of expression.  “Squirrels and grapes” 松鼠葡萄  Sōngshǔ pútao theme is one of the many popular theme.  Its’ meaning can be metaphorically translated as “abundance in fortune and offsprings”.

This theme is widely depicted in various Chinese art medium e.g. in paintings, porcelain, carvings and Yixing teapots.  Art collector sometimes like to collect the same theme in different medium.  This is one of my favorite theme too.  The level of appreciation can be thoroughly enjoyed even though they are depicted in different mediums.   It seems to unify the different medium together and enhance the level of enjoyment.

Here is three different mediums from my collection which depict the squirrels and grapes theme.

A painting done in squirrel and grapes theme.

A soapstone carving done in squirrels and grapes theme.

And finally, a 1970s large Yixing teapot done in squirrels and grapes theme.

 

It is really so  delightful to watch the expression of the squirrels in the presence of abundant grapes.