White porcelain water-dropper
From Korea
Choson dynasty,
19th century AD
A scholar's tool
Scholarly pursuits were highly respected and
encouraged during the Choson dynasty (1392-1910), under the
official
A water-dropper was used to dilute the cake of ink on the inkstone to the right consistency for use in painting or calligraphy ('beautiful writing').
Water-droppers were made in white porcelain from the beginning of the Choson dynasty. This example was made in the nineteenth century, when large quantities were produced. The peach is a Daoist symbol of longevity.
J. Portal, Korea - art and archaeology (London, The British Museum Press, 2000)
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Korean art and archaeology, £9.99