Crouching hoofed mythical animal; double horn with head turned to side and mouth open; scaly body with flamelike ribbons at haunches; tufted mane and tail

Water Dropper, 16th-17th century

Unknown artist, expand_more

Bronzeexpand_more

Gift of Ruth and Bruce Daytonexpand_more  99.20.2

Cast in the form of a hoofed mythical animal, this container held water for making ink. A finger hole is positioned on the back with the outlet hole located in the mouth. By covering the finger hold, 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.

Details
Title
Water Dropper
Role
Artist
Accession Number
99.20.2
Curator Approved

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Crouching hoofed mythical animal; double horn with head turned to side and mouth open; scaly body with flamelike ribbons at haunches; tufted mane and tail