Minneapolis Institute of Art
Waterdropper
China
- Date
- 16th-17th century
- Medium
- Bronze
- Department
- Asian Art
- Institution
- Minneapolis Institute of Art
Cast in the form of a hoofed beast, this container was created to hold water for making ink. A finger hole is positioned on the animal’s back, with the spout hole located in its mouth. By covering the finger hole, a controlled amount of water could be sprinkled onto the inkstone for the grinding of ink. The creature probably represents a qilin , an auspicious mythological animal of good omen, whose appearance at the imperial court was a sign of heavenly favor. China, Asia
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