Rabbit Before Jump

Animal Figure

Rabbit, brown/white ceramics, fastened on a rectangular bottom. Shaped like before a jump. Ears stretched back. Brown color with snail engravings all around, a collar and a body band.

Object ID:
Han_009

Age:
Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD)

Material:
Ceramics

Color:
brown and white

Height:
16.5 cm

Standfoot / floor plate:
21.3 cm x 9.3 cm

Condition:
Tail missing, ear repaired. In total: good condition

Price
on request

Description

The ceramic rabbit with a friendly face is fastened on a rectangular bottom, but shaped like before a jump. The ears are stretched back, a tear goes through the right ear. Body and plate are of brown color. The engravings all around seem to be snails of different sizes which played an important role in the sacrificial rituals for the deceased. [1] They are included in geometric forms or in the collar and the body band of the rabbit. These were painted in white, and are partly worn.
According to the Chinese consideration the rabbit is the fourth in the Chinese Zodiac (without any relationship to the starry sky). He is a symbol for fertility, skills and empathy. 2023 is the „Year of the Rabbit“ that supports harmony and resolution of conflicts.
According to Chinese consideration he is sitting in the moon and reflected as a symbol for long life. Sometimes „white rabbits“ are mentioned in the literature. [2] (HV)

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[1] Kulturstiftung Essen, Villa Hügel (2. Juno 1995 – 5. November 1995): Das Alte China. Menschen und Götter im Reich der Mitte, 5000 v.Chr. – 220 n.Chr. München. 64
[2] Eberhard, Wolfram (1983): Lexikon chinesischer Symbole. Geheime Sinnbilder in Kunst und Literatur, Leben und Denken der Chinesen. Diederichs Verlag. Köln. 125