The waterpot and dropper are modelled as a lotus leaf adjoining a seedpod. The hollowed leaf forms the water receptacle, while the seedpod is pierced with an aperture. Small stalks extend beneath the vessel to form supporting feet. The piece is covered overall in a pale celadon glaze.
A celadon-glazed water pot and water dropper (Qing dynasty, 18th–19th century)
Description
Dimensions:
11.8 cm long
Provenance:
A private Hong Kong collection
The waterpot and dropper are modelled as a lotus leaf adjoining a seedpod. The hollowed leaf forms the water receptacle, while the seedpod is pierced with an aperture. Small stalks extend beneath the vessel to form supporting feet. The piece is covered overall in a pale celadon glaze.
The lotus subject incorporates the two functions of the vessel into a single design. The seedpod serves as the dropper and the leaf as the waterpot, making this a compact accessory for the scholar’s desk. The lotus, rising unstained from muddy waters, is a symbol of purity and moral integrity in Chinese art. Its seedpod, containing numerous seeds, conveys an auspicious wish for abundant offspring and the continuation of the family line.
Additional information
| Period | Qing dynasty, 18th–19th century |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 11.8 cm long |
