Parcel-gilt Silver Box and Cover

Tang dynasty, 7th - 8th century

This very rare parcel-gilt silver box has eight lobes around the sides copying the shape of a melon and each lobe is decorated with grape scrolls and small birds. Seated at the top of this, acting as the knop of the cover, is a small squirrel proffering a bunch of grapes. Grapes had already been introduced to China during the earlier Han dynasty, but it was only during the Tang period when there was expansion of the empire westwards that grapes and grape wine became well known. The fruit became a popular decorative motif, used on mirrors and other metalwork.

In the decorative arts of the later dynasties, grapes and squirrels became a popular motif associated with the wish for many children, and many generations, as both are known for their ability to multiply.