Early 20th Century Korean Ceramic Frog Form Water Dropper

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A Korean ceramic water dropper in the form of fog circa early 20th century likely from Japanese colonial time post … Read more A Korean ceramic water dropper in the form of fog circa early 20th century likely from Japanese colonial time post 1910s. The animal form features underglaze blue paint and iron red dotted markings covering the body. The rendition was rather rustic in style with exaggerated eyelashes adding a humorous touch. The base was left unglazed and shows some patina.
Water dropper like this is an important component of scholar's desk items. It was used to add drops of water to the ink stone for grinding the ink before any handwriting could be performed. In Joseon dynasty, Confucianism dominates the ideology of the society and determined the morals and values of the men. Scholarly pursuits were greatly encouraged. This trend was reflected in the ceramic art as well. Humble and earthy ware with rustic yet refined decoration was much preferred.
For a similar water dropper of dog form. see illustration 207 on page 130 of "5000 Years of Korean Art".
Another example of a rooster form is illustrated 2-12 on page 146 of "Treasures from Korea Art and Cultures of the Joseon Dynasty, 1392-1910". See less