Antique Chinese Porcelain Water Dropper; Gourd-Shaped Scholar's Tool; Qing Dynasty

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This antique Chinese porcelain ceramic water dropper is shaped in the form of a gourd. Its colorful and intricate surface … Read more This antique Chinese porcelain ceramic water dropper is shaped in the form of a gourd. Its colorful and intricate surface is covered with vines, leaves and butterflies. Its delicate spout in the shape of a leaf will dispense a single drop of water. The stem on top lifts out to refill the pot. The water dropper dates to the 18th or 19th century Qing dynasty (1644-1911). It is in very good condition with bright glaze and no cracks or chips. It’s compact size at just 4” tall and 4-3/4” wide fits comfortably in your hand. It is similar to one once owned by Jay Gates, former Director of the Phillips Foundation in Washington, D.C.

Ancient Asian writers and painters created their own ink by adding drops of water to dry pigment. Water droppers with tiny spouts were used to wet ink stones so that scholars could pick up the pigment with a brush to write. Over time, water droppers became a canvas for artistic expression, crafted in bronze, jade, and porcelain, and often shaped like animals, fruits, or auspicious symbols. See less