Tortoise Form Water Dropper, 17th century
Unknown artist, Chinaexpand_more
Bronze with gold and silver inlayexpand_more
Gift of Ruth and Bruce Daytonexpand_more 2001.135.7
On View in Gallery 217expand_more
Cast after an ancient Han or Six Dynasties (25-618) prototype, this scholar's water dropper is in the form of a tortoise holding a small cup in its mouth. The creature is surmounted by a snake inlaid with gold and silver strips. In combination, the snake and tortoise represent the north, or the "dark warrior." In spite of the patterned inlay, the animals are realistically cast. The tortoise is even correctly detailed with scales and plastron on the underside.
A bronze tortoise-form water dropper was recently excavated from a third- or fourth-century tomb in Ch'ing-hai province. In keeping with scholar's taste for the ancient, this seventeenth-century writing utensil once used on a scholar's desk must have been based on an ancient prototype.
Details
- Title
- Tortoise Form Water Dropper
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2001.135.7
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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