Water Dropper in the Form of a Crab
Date17th century
PeriodMing (1368–1644) or Qing dynasty (1644–1911/12)
MediumDehua ware; porcelain with transparent glaze
Dimensions1 3/4 x 5 3/4 x 3 3/4 in. (4.4 x 14.6 x 9.5 cm)
ClassificationsCeramics
Credit LineGift of Ira and Nancy Koger, 2001
Object numberSN11122.164
In Chinese calligraphy practice, water is used to prepare ink and clean brushes. Water droppers and brush washers were thus essential tools for scholars, and they appear in a wide range of sculptural forms. Floral and animal designs are especially common, while some pieces mimic the shapes of antique bronzes.
On View
On viewLocation
- Center for Asian Art, 3rd floor, Lobby, Case C
17th century
early 18th Century
17th century
late 18th-19th century
17th century
17th Century