Water Dropper in the Shape of a Duck

Water Dropper

A pure white water dropper formed in the shape of a young duck. Inlet and outlet opposite – the pouring is on the back feathers, the spout under the beak.

Object ID
Korea_029

Age
Joseon Dynasty (1392 – 1910 AD)

Material
Ceramics

Color
white

Height
3.5 cm

Width
5 cm

Length
8 cm

Condition
Very Good

Price
on request

Description

The pure white water dropper formed in the shape of a young duck. Inlet and outlet are opposite between head and middle of tail. The pouring is on the back feathers, the spout under the beak. The duck has a rather rounded face and a lively eye impression. The feathers have been carved and appear very natural.
Such a water dropper belonged to the writing-utensils. In this regard it was very popular to produce imaginative vessels for example in the form of animals. After the filling with water the vessel is placed upright. In order to dose the amount of water to thin the ink precisely, the writer has to place his finger on the top opening. [1] In the Joseon Dynasty white ware became fashionable. Many of the ceramics were probably made for bureaus of the Government or for wealthy private persons and scholars. [2]

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[1] Chang, Ki-hoon (2000): Wassertropfer. In: Handbuch der koreanischen Kunst. Steinzeug und Seladon. Wasmuth Verlag. Tübingen. 112-119
[2] Lee, Soyoung. “In Pursuit of White: Porcelain in the Joseon Dynasty, 1392–1910.” In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/chpo/hd_chpo.htm (October 2004)