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.
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