Octagonal Water Dropper Decorated with Flower Design

late 1700s

Korea, Joseon dynasty

(1392–1910)

Medium

Porcelain with blue and white decoration

Measurements

height: 8.5 cm (3 3/8 in.)

Credit Line

Dudley P. Allen Fund 2024.37

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Location

236 Korean

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Did You Know?

A small spout in the shape of a cicada is placed on one of the octagonal sides. This decorative element not only adds a sense of whimsical aesthetic sensibility to this scholarly utensil, but also aims to symbolize the aspiration for scholarly achievement—as loud as the cicada’s song.

Description

A water dropper was an essential utensil for a literati man of the Joseon dynasty (1392–1910) in writing calligraphy. It was used to add water, by small drops, to an inkstone while grinding an ink stick. This work has a small spout in the shape of a cicada. This decorative element not only adds a sense of whimsical sensibility to this scholarly utensil, but also aims to symbolize the aspiration for scholarly achievement—as loud as the cicada’s song.