Chinese jade, glass, and ceramic water pots and water droppers have a long history in Chinese art and culture. They were used by scholars and artists during the Tang (618-907) and Song (960-1279) dynasties as essential tools for calligraphy and painting.
They were designed to control the flow of water used for these activities, allowing the artist to achieve a variety of brush strokes and effects. To use a water dropper, the artist would fill the dropper with water from a water pot and then squeeze the dropper to release a controlled amount of water onto the ink stone, where it would be mixed with ink to create the desired consistency for calligraphy or painting. The dropper allowed the artist to precisely control the amount of water used, which was important for achieving the desired effects in their work.
Jade water pots and droppers were highly prized by
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the literati class due to the material's rarity and beauty. They were often carved with intricate designs and motifs, and were believed to have a cooling effect on the water used for calligraphy and painting. Jade water droppers were used to control the flow of water from the pot, allowing artists to achieve a variety of brush strokes and effects.
Glass water pots and droppers were introduced to China during the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), and quickly became popular due to their transparency and ability to showcase the beauty of the water. Glass water pots were often decorated with painted designs or carved motifs, and were highly valued for their delicate beauty.
Ceramic water pots and droppers were also commonly used by Chinese scholars and artists, and were available in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors. These pots were often decorated with painted designs or relief carvings, and were highly valued for their durability and functionality.
Water pots and droppers were not only functional tools, but also important objects of beauty in Chinese culture. They were often included in sets of scholar's objects, which were collections of decorative and functional objects used by scholars and artists for calligraphy, painting, and other intellectual pursuits.
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