Delft, mid-18th century.
The drinking monkey, sitting on a rock, is a pouring jug.
To fill the jug under the hat there is an hidden opening.
The cup, from which the monkey drinks, serves as a spout.
On the shield on his stomach a verse
“rees met fijn-naekte bille,
geeft melk aan die je hebbe wille”
(lift of my fine bare buttocks and I give milk who want it)
with the date 1752,
The verse tells in a funny way the use of the jug.
Pitchers in the shape of animals have a long tradition.
These Delft monkeys were inspired by similar porcelain jugs from China, from the KangXi period (1662-1722),
which are back in time to jugs from the Tang period (618-907).
No restorations and with original lid.
Site by Artimin
