Eighteenth Century English Delft Punch Bowl ; Squirrel & Grape Vine Pattern, Bristol, 1740.

Eighteenth Century English Delft Punch Bowl ; Squirrel & Grape Vine Pattern, Bristol or London, c.1740.

The tin-glazed punch bowl is of large proportions, carrying the seamlessly painted decoration know as the ‘Squirrel & Grape Vine’ pattern like an animation.

It would seem the English delft potters had a penchant for the squirrel - The pattern is of some antiquity from China ; however, whimsically revived by the delftware potters of the eighteenth century, and seen to great effect in this example.

For a recent article on the subject, see the newly published journal ; ‘Ceramics in America 2024’ -
Squirrel iconography on early delftware: The genesis of a ceramic collection ; Al Luckenbach.