rat-choo

The Jack and Belle Linsky Collection, 1982
https://www.metmuseum.org

Because it's a snuffbox!  Get it?  (Groan.  Yes, I know.)
Not only is this Meissen porcelain snuffbox (Germany, c. 1745) gracefully made, but it has additional surprises inside and on the bottom.  Have a peek at the extra photos on its page at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

rat radish

Acquired by William T. or Henry Walters, before 1899 (?) thewalters.org

The most elegant daikon you've ever seen, I'll bet. And its rodent rider is equally so.  All we know about the creator is that it was "Komarujo of Mikawachi," that is, a woman at the Mikawachi kilns on the island of Hirado in Japan.  Dated from the late 19th century, this piece shows the stylistic hallmarks of classic Hirado ware: the purest white porcelain with blue detailing.  By the time this was made, much Hirado ware was exported to eager buyers in the West.  Learn more about Hirado ware here.
I think this radish is the one known as ibuki-daikon (rat daikon), but it should have more of a "tail."  Still, knowing that makes this piece a little wittier.  It's a rat on a rat-radish!

wealth rat

Katsukawa Shunzan [Public domain, Public domain or CC0], via Wikimedia Commons

Here we see Daikoku. the Japanese god of wealth, with his magic hammer (the round-headed yellow item in his fist) and his white rat.  Rats are considered industrious creatures in Japanese lore, and industry brings reward - what better sidekick for a god of wealth?  This jolly image for a back-to-work Monday is by the artist Katsukawa Shunzan (active 1782-98).  Best known for portraits of actors, he took the time to make this lucky charm of a woodcut, and I hope it brings you all good fortune this week.