We acknowledge the Gadigal of the Eora Nation, the traditional custodians of the Country on which the Art Gallery of NSW stands.

🛈 Find out what you need to know before visiting

Title

Water dropper of circular shape with central hole

19th century

Artists

Unknown Artist

  • Details

    Other Title
    'Doughnut' form
    Place where the work was made
    Korea
    Period
    Joseon dynasty 1392 - 1910 → Korea
    Date
    19th century
    Media category
    Ceramic
    Materials used
    porcelain with copper red monochrome glaze
    Dimensions
    3.7 x 8.7 cm
    Signature & date

    Not signed. Not dated.

    Credit
    Gift of Mr J.H. Myrtle 1993
    Location
    Not on display
    Accession number
    343.1993
    Copyright

    Reproduction requests

    Share

  • About

    The simple waterdropper, essential to calligraphy writing and painting, is a form the Korean potters made their own. An amazing varied number of designs and forms were produced, from small pieces such as these to those requiring two hands to lift. Confucianism was the official state doctrine in the Choson dynasty, resulting in an educated class of scholars, known as 'sonbi', who did not yet hold official positions. Waterdroppers such as these were an essential accoutrement of 'sonbi' culture.

    The Asian Collections, AGNSW, 2003, pg.186.

  • Exhibition history

    Shown in 1 exhibition

  • Bibliography

    Referenced in 1 publication