www.metmuseum.org Gift of Robert Hatfield Ellsworth, in memory of Jean E. Mailey, 1994
This Ming Dynasty textile (China, late 16th - early 17th century) shows rabbits gamboling about in the clouds. Made of silk gauze with silk and gold threads, it's not only luxurious but fortunate: rabbits brought all sorts of good things, and were companions of the ageless Moon Goddess.
public domain This is a "Mimick, or Gethulian-Dog," as recorded by Edward Topsell in his natural history of c. 1600. It's described as "being apt to imitate all things it seeth, for which cause some have thought that it was conceived by an Ape; but in face sharpe and black like a Hedge-hog, having a short recurved body; very long legs, shaggie hair, and a short tail..." Apparently in ancient Egypt this sort of dog was taught all manner of tricks. Whatever breed could this have been? Topsell, Edward, 1572-1625?. The History of Four-footed Beasts And Serpents... The whole rev., cor. and inl. with the addition of two useful physical tables, by J[ohn] R[owland] M.D. London: Printed by E. Cotes, for G. Sawbridge [etc.], 1658. p. 127.
Dewitt Miller (American, 1857-1911) was wholly a man of letters. An educator, speaker, and minister, he is perhaps best known as a book collector . Like many (most?) of us book enthusiasts, he had a soft spot for cats. Here's what his friend Leon Vincent recalls: Other animals besides those of the human race were the objects of Miller's benevolence. He delighted in parrots, squirrels, cats, and dogs, and had a profound respect for a horse. I well remember his satisfaction when the high-bred Angora cat that dwelt at the Glen jumped on his knee for the first time of its own accord; he had not looked for so great an honor. His face beamed as he stroked the little creature's head with his ample hand. They made a comical pair of comrades, Miller being so very large and the cat so exceedingly small. Two or three of his cat-friends always received at Christmas time postal money-orders (made out in the name of their respective masters), to the end that they might p...
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