A small wucai high-shouldered vase, Shunzhi period, (1644-1661). Estimate $4,000 - $6,000. Price Realized $2,500 . Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2015

The vase is decorated with a dense overall design of squirrels amidst leafy grape vines. The flat base is unglazed. 7 5/8 in. (19.3 cm.) high

Provenance: Anthony Gray, London, 1987.
Collection of Julia and John Curtis.

Notes: Squirrels and trailing grape vines were often paired as a decorative motif in the Ming and Qing dynasties. The motif is considered auspicious as the large clusters of grapes and the notion of fecundity associated with squirrels signify the wish for plentiful sons and grandsons.

Christie's. AN ERA OF INSPIRATION: 17TH-CENTURY CHINESE PORCELAINS FROM THE COLLECTION OF JULIA AND JOHN CURTIS, 16 March 2015, New York, Rockefeller Plaza