Water Dropper
19th century
1 of 3
Caption
Water Dropper, 19th century. Porcelain with cobalt blue underglaze decoration, 2 3/4 x 2 1/2in. (7 x 6.4cm) Diameter at mouth: 1/2 in. (1.3 cm) Diameter at base: 2 5/8 in. (6.7 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Dr. John P. Lyden, 79.273.2.
Collection
Collection
Title
Water Dropper
Date
19th century
Dynasty
Joseon Dynasty
Geography
Place made: Korea
Medium
Porcelain with cobalt blue underglaze decoration
Classification
Dimensions
2 3/4 x 2 1/2in. (7 x 6.4cm) Diameter at mouth: 1/2 in. (1.3 cm) Diameter at base: 2 5/8 in. (6.7 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Dr. John P. Lyden
Accession Number
79.273.2
Frequent Art Questions
How does one use this square water dropper and what do you use it for?
If you look closely, there is a small hole in the porcelain, that would allow the scholar to drip a single drop of water onto an ink stone. Ink was sold in solid blocks that needed to be moistened in 19th century Korea. It was filled by submerging it in a pot of water.This was used by a member of the elite literati class, who dedicated themselves to the pursuit of knowledge.What is a water dropper?
A water dropper was used to wet ink stones or blocks that needed to be moistened so that scholars could pick up the pigment with a brush to write. If you look closely, each one has a small hole at the top that would drip the water out when inverted.
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