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Water dropper in the shape of a mythical beast

16th–17th century
Not on view
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.
The water dropper was an essential item for the scholar’s desk; this version’s form follows examples from the Han dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE) and Six Dynasties (220–589 CE) but is embellished with silver wire inlays. It was also once in the collection of Ichikawa Beian and published in his catalogue of 1848.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 明 銅錯銀絲異獸水滴
  • Title: Water dropper in the shape of a mythical beast
  • Period: Ming dynasty (1368–1644)
  • Date: 16th–17th century
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Copper alloy, silver inlay
  • Dimensions: H. 2 5/16 in. (5.9 cm); W. 2 3/16 in. (5.6 cm); L. 4 1/4 in. (10.8 cm)
  • Classification: Metalwork
  • Credit Line: Lent by Tokyo National Museum
  • Rights and Reproduction: Photograph courtesy of Tokyo National Museum
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art