Ref: W914
£ 900
Price is subject to availability and market conditions.
Pair of Chinese turquoise glazed water droppers, Kangxi (1662-1722), moulded in the form of a dragon-fish, with incised details including scale pattern, fangs and beard.
The dragon/fish theme of this water dropper refers to the Chinese legend of the carp and the Dragon Gate. According to the myth, a carp that perseveres and successfully swims against the river to leap over the Dragon Gate at the top of the Longmen is transformed into a mighty dragon as a reward for its perseverance, courage and skill. In China, the myth was associated with scholarly accomplishment in particular, with the saying ‘Liyu Tiao Long Men’ 鲤鱼跳龙门 (lit: ‘the carp has leaped through the Dragon Gate’) used to congratulate a student who has worked hard to pass a difficult exam or scholarly task, although the odds may have been against them. Along with brush pots, brush rests and ink stones, water droppers were implements associated with the scholar's desk, used to add water to dry solid ink to be ground and used for calligraphy.
Notes:
The dragon/fish theme of this water dropper refers to the Chinese legend of the carp and the Dragon Gate. According to the myth, a carp that perseveres and successfully swims against the river to leap over the Dragon Gate at the top of the Longmen is transformed into a mighty dragon as a reward for its perseverance, courage and skill. In China, the myth was associated with scholarly accomplishment in particular, with the saying ‘Liyu Tiao Long Men’ 鲤鱼跳龙门 (lit: ‘the carp has leaped through the Dragon Gate’) used to congratulate a student who has worked hard to pass a difficult exam or scholarly task, although the odds may have been against them. Along with brush pots, brush rests and ink stones, water droppers were implements associated with the scholar's desk, used to add water to dry solid ink to be ground and used for calligraphy.
