Korean Ceramic Water Dropper in Mountain Form Joseon Dynasty

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A Korean ceramic water dropper in the shape of a mountain from late Joseon Dynasty circa 1850-1900s. The lovely piece … Read more A Korean ceramic water dropper in the shape of a mountain from late Joseon Dynasty circa 1850-1900s. The lovely piece takes a shape of a rugged mountain peak with crags and furrows, hand-shaped by the potter. The surface was applied with blue and copper red glaze, intermingling intentionally to form a mesmerizing pattern on the white background, accentuating the visual effect of the mountainous landscape. The air hole and the sprout were placed on top of the two peak, one much higher than the other. The base is unglazed and brushed with a light brown slip.
The piece was likely made in the second half of the 19th century toward the very end of Joseon dynasty based on the design and glaze colors. The mountain it depicts is likely Kumgang mountain, a sacred place where many temples were located, and many similar water droppers seem to have modelled from.
Water droppers are small containers made from different materials such as ceramic and metal. It was used by scholars to add drops of water onto the ink stone when preparing for calligraphy. Over time, these small pieces evolved into miniature art with various sculptural form.
For water dropper in shape of mountains that were identified as made in 18th to early 19th century, see item Bongwan 8143 in the collection of National Museum of Korean, C.98-1937 from V and A Museum, London and also a piece in MET lent by Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art. See less