Iirc, the design goes back a few hundred years or so, and they were intended as either lion claws or dragon claws, wrapped around an orb.
Incidentally, you’ll also find pineapples are commonly found carved in older furniture. Pineapples were considered a symbol of hospitality. Again, as I recall, because it’s been a while since I learned about this stuff.
Pineapple’s in northern Europe were a symbol of wealth and status. You could actually rent a pineapple for your dinner party to elevate your status. Pineapple theft was a notable crime. One thief was sentenced to 7 years in an Australian penal colony.
Iirc, the design goes back a few hundred years or so, and they were intended as either lion claws or dragon claws, wrapped around an orb.
Incidentally, you’ll also find pineapples are commonly found carved in older furniture. Pineapples were considered a symbol of hospitality. Again, as I recall, because it’s been a while since I learned about this stuff.
Pineapple’s in northern Europe were a symbol of wealth and status. You could actually rent a pineapple for your dinner party to elevate your status. Pineapple theft was a notable crime. One thief was sentenced to 7 years in an Australian penal colony.
https://historyfacts.com/world-history/fact/stealing-pineapples-used-to-be-a-serious-crime/