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Water dropper in the shape of a three-legged toad

14th century
Not on view
On loan to The Met
This work of art is currently on loan to the museum.
This water dropper was cast in the shape of a mythical three-legged toad said to dwell on the moon, an auspicious symbol of prosperity and a talisman for success on civil service examinations. This utensil for the scholar’s desk was used to control the amount of water added to an ink stone as an ink cake was ground on its surface to create liquid ink. A similar work salvaged from the Sinan shipwreck (dating to 1323) helps to date this piece.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 元至明初　蟾形水注
  • Title: Water dropper in the shape of a three-legged toad
  • Period: Yuan (1271–1368) to early Ming (1368–1644) dynasty
  • Date: 14th century
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Copper alloy
  • Dimensions: H. 2 1/2 in. (6.4 cm); W. 2 5/8 in. (6.7 cm); L. 5 in. (12.7 cm)
  • Classification: Metalwork
  • Credit Line: Lent by a private collection
  • Object Number: L.2025.30.3
  • Rights and Reproduction: Image © The Metropolitan Museum of Art, photo by Oi-Cheong Lee
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art