Water dropper in the shape of a three-legged toad
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. The creature is an auspicious symbol of prosperity and a talisman for success on civil-service examinations. Made for a scholar, the utensil was used to control the amount of water added to ground ink.
Artwork Details
- 元至明初 銅蟾形水注
- 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: Promised Gift of Julia and John Curtis
- Object Number: L.2025.30.3
- Rights and Reproduction: Image © The Metropolitan Museum of Art, photo by Oi-Cheong Lee
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
Content Notice
The Metropolitan Museum of Art presents over 5,000 years of art from around the world, and our online collection reflects ongoing work conducted over the course of our more than 150-year history. You may encounter objects or images that may be inappropriate for some viewers or information that may be outdated.