Water Dropper Item Number: Edz1413 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Lotus pod shape, light yellow-brown with movable seeds, supported on its side by an extremely dark caltrop nut. Other nuts in varying shades of brown are scattered on the surface in high relief. Four characters impressed beside a small hole in the side.
History Of Use
The potteries producing I-hsing Ware have been active for thousands of years, although use of the distinctive clay types peculiar to I-hsing itself may date only to the beginning of the Ming Dynasty, 1368 C.E. The sandy clay, varying in shade from light yellow-brown through the best known red-brown to a dark brown-black, has the property of producing a hard lustrous surface when fired, and can therefore be used without glazing. Production has continued to the present time and includes glazed ware, particularly in a brilliant streaked blue-green, as well as the traditional form.
Iconographic Meaning
The lotus is a Buddhist symbol of purity and perfection.
Item History
- Made in Jiangsu, China between 1700 and 1800
- Owned by Sotheby's before July 7, 1982
- Received from Fyfe-Smith Memorial Oriental Collection Fund (Funding source) and Sotheby's (Seller) on July 7, 1982
What
Who
- Culture
- Chinese
- Previous Owner
- Sotheby's
- Received from
- Fyfe-Smith Memorial Oriental Collection Fund (Funding source) and Sotheby's (Seller)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Jiangsu, China
When
- Creation Date
- between 1700 and 1800
- Ownership Date
- before July 7, 1982
- Acquisition Date
- on July 7, 1982
Other
- Item Classes
- ceramics
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 0815/0004