Water dropper in the form of a mythical creature
This water dropper has a similar look to the bronze water dropper in Japanese scholar Ichikawa Beian’s collection. Made of porcelain, it is an artful evocation of ancient bronze examples. The work also draws attention to the technical virtuosity of the potter, whose use of a greenish-brown glaze successfully mimics the patina of an ancient bronze. It is not coincidental that both Chinese and Japanese literati shared similar interests in stationery objects that have roots in archaic bronzes.
Artwork Details
- 清 景德鎮窯茶葉末釉異獸水滴
- Title: Water dropper in the form of a mythical creature
- Period: Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
- Date: 18th century
- Culture: China
- Medium: Porcelain with tea-dust glaze (Jingdezhen ware)
- Dimensions: H. 1 3/4 in. (4.4 cm); W. 1 3/4 in. (4.4 cm); L. 3 1/4 in. (8.3 cm)
- Classification: Ceramics
- Credit Line: Purchase, Friends of Asian Art Gifts, 2019
- Object Number: 2019.316a, b
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
More Artwork
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.