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 more...

79 items found:

These items have been sold, and the description, image and price are for reference purposes only.

A Satsuma 'Chilongs' water dropper, Kizan, late Meiji period…

Satsuma 'Chilongs' Water Dropper by Kizan, Late Meiji Period

A Satsuma 'Chilongs' water dropper, Kizan, late Meiji period the pot of cylindrical form decorated with bamboo and prunus blossom, the handle and spout in the form of wriggling chilongs with bifurcated tails, with domed cover and chilong finial, decorated…

A group of three Chinese Longquan celadon miniature scholar…

Chinese Longquan celadon miniature scholar objects, Yuan/Ming Dynasty, 14/15th century

A group of three Chinese Longquan celadon miniature scholar objects, Yuan/Ming Dynasty, 14/15th century, comprising an ewer-formed water dropper, a bird feeder and a small jar. / /, the water dropper: 1.8 cm high

Eastern, perhaps Indian solid silver, water dropper, in the…

Exotic Bird Water Dropper: Eastern Indian Solid Silver, 14cm

Eastern, perhaps Indian solid silver, water dropper, in the form of an exotic bird, with lid, height 14 cm.

Chinese ceramic dog figure water dropper with one hole on the…

Chinese Ceramic Dog Water Dropper Figurine, 17cm Long

Chinese ceramic dog figure water dropper with one hole on the back, and two small ones at the side of the mouth. 17 cm long.

A green enamel lotus form water dropper, 20th century, the open…

Green Enamel Lotus Water Dropper, 20th Century, 14 cm Long

A green enamel lotus form water dropper, 20th century, the open flower with stalk spout, 14 cm long

Japanese lacquer Suzuribako, Taisho period, early 20th century,…

Japanese Lacquer Suzuribako with Plum and Blossom Decoration, Taisho Period

Japanese lacquer Suzuribako, Taisho period, early 20th century, of rectangular form, the wooden exterior decorated with plum and blossom, both rendered in pewter and with plover flying overhead applied in bright gold lacquer, the interior finished in…

A Chinese carved ivory bird water dropper, on inlaid and carved…

Chinese carved ivory bird water dropper on timber base, 20th century

A Chinese carved ivory bird water dropper, on inlaid and carved timber base, early to mid 20th century, 14 cm long

Korean water dropper, made in the shape of a peach. Glazed…

Korean Peach Water Dropper: 18th Century Ink Accessory

Korean water dropper, made in the shape of a peach. Glazed porcelain with cobalt blue and copper red decoration. Last half of 18th century, throughout eastern Asia, writers and painters created their own ink by adding drops of water to dry pigment. Water…

A Chinese bronze water dropper and a goose shaped spoon, 19th…

Chinese Bronze Water Dropper and Goose Spoon

A Chinese bronze water dropper and a goose shaped spoon, 19th century, 7.5 cm diameter. Provenance: An important private collection, Sydney, Australia.

A Chinese famille- rose double gourd formed water dropper,…

Qianlong Period Chinese Water Dropper

A Chinese famille- rose double gourd formed water dropper, Qianlong period (1736-1795), 8 cm high. Provenance: An important private collection, Qld., acquired from the late Sweeny collection Queensland. 24/10/1992.

A rare Canton enamel Yixing water dropper, Qing Dynasty…

Rare Canton Enamel Yixing Water Dropper, Qing Dynasty

A rare Canton enamel Yixing water dropper, Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), 9 cm diameter. Provenance: The late Blumenthal collection. An important private collection, Qld., acquired from above in1979.

An antique Vietnamese porcelain water dropper, 17th century, 9.…

17th Century Vietnamese Porcelain Water Dropper

An antique Vietnamese porcelain water dropper, 17th century, 9.5 cm high

A Chinese song dynasty golden Longquan Waterdropper (Xian Ji…

Golden Longquan Waterdropper with Xian Ji mark

A Chinese song dynasty golden Longquan Waterdropper (Xian Ji mark), yellow Longquan is a rare variety due to the unique technique. This water dropper is glazed overall in an earth tone finish. Raised on a short foot, with a compressed globular body and…

Early Chinese ceramic blue and white water dropper decorated…

Blue and White Castle Scene Water Dropper

Early Chinese ceramic blue and white water dropper decorated with traditional castle scene, width 6 cm.

A Chinese Garlic-Headed water dropper with stand and receipt…

Chinese Garlic-Headed Water Dropper with Stand and Receipt

A Chinese Garlic-Headed water dropper with stand and receipt Height17 cm

A Chinese blue and white Two-Bird water dropper with box, stand…

Chinese Two-Bird Water Dropper Set with Box and Stand

A Chinese blue and white Two-Bird water dropper with box, stand and receipt Height10 cm

Korean duck form ceramic water dropper Korean 'Suiteki,' in…

Korean Ceramic Duck Water Dropper

Korean duck form ceramic water dropper Korean 'Suiteki,' in duck form, length 11 cm.

A Chinese blue and white twin duck form water dropper Ming…

Ming Dynasty Blue and White Duck Water Dropper

A Chinese blue and white twin duck form water dropper Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), 16th century the dropper in the form of a conjugal pair of mandarin ducks. 9 cm high, 10.2 cm wide. Provenance: Mossgreen Auctions, Melbourne, 17 November 2009 Jane Carnegie…

A Japanese lacquer Suzuribako, Mid-Edo period, early 18th…

18th Century Japanese Lacquer Suzuribako with Deer Design

A Japanese lacquer Suzuribako, Mid-Edo period, early 18th century, decorated with scattered nashiji, decoration of takamakie, hiramakie, keuchi and kirikane of both silver and gold, with a design of four deer by a river with chrysanthemum and autumn…

Chinese Qing Dynasty blue & white water dropper height 13 cm

Qing Dynasty Blue & White Water Dropper (13cm)

Chinese Qing Dynasty blue & white water dropper height 13 cm

Chinese green glaze pottery water dropper height 20 cm

Chinese Green Glaze Pottery Water Dropper - 20cm

Chinese green glaze pottery water dropper height 20 cm

Vintage Chinese pottery water dropper glazed green decoration,…

Green Glazed Chinese Pottery Water Dropper/Wine Pot

Vintage Chinese pottery water dropper glazed green decoration, with short spout, possibly a water dropper, or wine pot, height 20 cm

Good Chinese Qing Dynasty water dropper, in the form of a peach…

Turquoise Qing Dynasty Peach Water Dropper, Provenance Ivan Ban

Good Chinese Qing Dynasty water dropper, in the form of a peach and foliage, with branched handle and stem, in strong tones of turquoise, a/f, height 9.5 cm. Provenance: The Ivan Ban collection

Chinese porcelain water dropper, in the form of a duck, in…

Colorful Chinese Duck Porcelain Water Dropper

Chinese porcelain water dropper, in the form of a duck, in tones of green, yellow, pink and blue, length 9.5 cm. Provenance: The Ivan Ban collection

A Japanese lacquer Suzuribako with Inkstone and Suiteki, Meiji…

Japanese Lacquer Suzuribako with Inkstone and Suiteki

A Japanese lacquer Suzuribako with Inkstone and Suiteki, Meiji period (1868-1912), the clear and red lacquered wooden box embellished with gold scrolling plum blossoms, the interior fitted with brush trays, rectangular gilded inkstone and bronze suiteki…

A pink-glazed 'Buddhist lion' water dropper, 19th century 7.4…

19th Century Pink-Glazed Buddhist Lion Water Dropper

A pink-glazed 'Buddhist lion' water dropper, 19th century 7.4 cm high. Provenance: Collection of Ross Gordon, Brisbane, until 2002 Sotheby's, Melbourne, 2002 (by repute)

Korean celadon water dropper, of squat rectangular form with…

Korean Celadon Water Dropper with Crane and Cloud Decoration

Korean celadon water dropper, of squat rectangular form with canted corners, decorated with cranes and clouds, mark to base, length 7 cm

Four Chinese water droppers

Chinese Water Dropper Collection

Four Chinese water droppers

An antique Chinese water dropper of diminutive size, bears…

Antique Chinese Water Dropper from R Tregaskis

An antique Chinese water dropper of diminutive size, bears label for R Tregaskis. Length from handle to spout 8.5 cm

Three underglaze blue water droppers with printed floral design…

Floral Underglaze Blue Water Droppers Set

Three underglaze blue water droppers with printed floral design (3), length 5.5-6.5 cm

Three Korean celadon glaze water droppers, in form of turtle…

Korean Celadon Glaze Water Droppers - Turtle & Teapot Forms

Three Korean celadon glaze water droppers, in form of turtle and tea pots two with signatures to the base, length 9 - 11 cm

Two Korean celadon glaze water dropper, a pomegranate and a…

Korean Celadon Glaze Water Droppers: Pomegranate & Mandarin Duck

Two Korean celadon glaze water dropper, a pomegranate and a Mandarin duck, signature to the base, diameter 19 cm

Two Chinese porcelain Pork bun shaped water droppers and a…

Chinese Porcelain Water Droppers and Peach Shape with Floral Designs

Two Chinese porcelain Pork bun shaped water droppers and a peach shape each with floral designs in underglaze blue [3], diameter 6 - 7 cm

Chinese Mandarin duck water dropper 10.5 cm wide

Chinese Mandarin Duck Water Dropper - 10.5cm

Chinese Mandarin duck water dropper 10.5 cm wide

Four Chinese porcelain water droppers, of various forms,…

Assorted Chinese Porcelain Water Droppers and Teapot

Four Chinese porcelain water droppers, of various forms, including a monkey and blue and white teapot (4)

Japanese Meiji period ceramic water dropper, of rectangular…

Meiji Burnt Lustre Ceramic Water Dropper

Japanese Meiji period ceramic water dropper, of rectangular form, in a burnt lustre glaze, length 6 cm

Chinese blue and white porcelain vase, chicken water dropper,…

Blue and White Porcelain Collection, Ming and Qing Dynasty

Chinese blue and white porcelain vase, chicken water dropper, lidded box and dish, Ming and Qing Dynasty, the vase 14 cm high

A 19th century Chinese water dropper in the form of a blue…

Chinese Fish Water Dropper and Assorted Objects

A 19th century Chinese water dropper in the form of a blue glazed fish, 2 pocket flints, South East Asia, a Japanese porcelain dish; plus 3 Iranian bronze bangles, the water dropper 8 cm across

A Chinese Tea-dust glaze water dropper and small vase, heights…

Chinese Tea-Dust Glaze Water Dropper and Vase Set

A Chinese Tea-dust glaze water dropper and small vase, heights 6 cm, & 7 cm

Three Chinese ceramic vessels, Ming/Qing Dynasty, comprising a…

Chinese Ceramic Vessels from Ming/Qing Dynasties

Three Chinese ceramic vessels, Ming/Qing Dynasty, comprising a 17th century European cobbled Dehua octagonal cup, a 19th century octagonal cup painted with iron red qilong decoration and a water dropper in the form of a teapot with cash symbol at top, the…

Green celadon glazed water dropper & small vase small Doucai…

Green Celadon Water Dropper & Doucai Vase, 8.5cm Height

Green celadon glazed water dropper & small vase small Doucai vase having 6 character mark, height 8.5 cm

An underglaze blue porcelain lidded box and a water dropper,…

Underglaze Blue Porcelain Box and Water Dropper Set

An underglaze blue porcelain lidded box and a water dropper, 19th/20th century length 8 and 18 cm

A gilt bronze and cloisonne enamel 'Bixie' water dropper, 20th…

Cloisonne Bixie Water Dropper with Qianlong Mark

A gilt bronze and cloisonne enamel 'Bixie' water dropper, 20th century, the mythical beast crouched, facing forward and holding a small bowl in its jaws, an aperture on its back fitted with a stopper decorated with a yinyang symbol, inscribed on the…

A Chinese yellow-glaze miniature vase, and a famille-verte…

Chinese Yellow-Glaze Vase and Famille-Verte Water Dropper

A Chinese yellow-glaze miniature vase, and a famille-verte water dropper, The vase with impressed Qianlong mark, Late Qing dynasty, 10.8 cm high, 5.2 cm long (2). Provenance: Collection of Hepburn Myrtle (vase only)Collection of William Bowmore. Private…

An Oriental white metal water Dropper, 19th century, a cast…

Oriental Fish Water Dropper

An Oriental white metal water Dropper, 19th century, a cast water dropper combined brush wash in the shape of a fish, with a gaping mouth and well delineated scales and fins, height 7 cm, width 13.5 cm

Blue and white melon-shaped water Dropper with Kangxi mark and…

Kangxi Melon Water Dropper

Blue and white melon-shaped water Dropper with Kangxi mark and of period, height 9 cm

Japanese white porcelain water dropper in the form of a dog

Dog-shaped Japanese porcelain water dropper

Japanese white porcelain water dropper in the form of a dog

Japanese porcelain water dropper in the form of a dog

Japanese Dog Porcelain Water Dropper

Japanese porcelain water dropper in the form of a dog

A Korean pottery peach form water Dropper late-Choson period,…

Late-Choson Peach Water Dropper Pottery

A Korean pottery peach form water Dropper late-Choson period, decorated in cholsa chongwu paekcha and chinhong sagi. This shape much admired and copied. Height 11 cm

A bronze weight / water dropper, late Ming to early Qing…

17th Century Bronze Hound Water Dropper/Weight

A bronze weight / water dropper, late Ming to early Qing Dynasty, 17th century, in the form of a recumbent hound, comfortable but alert, his tail curled up, original patina, 9.5 cm long. Provenance: Estate of John Hilliard, UK, 1997

A Japanese black lacquer Suzuribako, (writing box) Meiji period…

Meiji Period Lacquer Suzuribako with Scholar Figure

A Japanese black lacquer Suzuribako, (writing box) Meiji period (1868-1912), a figure of a scholar on the cover, in gold, silver and porcelain, original metal inkstone and gilt water dropper, four character inscription under the base, 18.2 cm wide, 22 cm…

A small Japanese bronze water dropper, Meiji period (1868-1912),…

Japanese Meiji Period Bronze Shi-Shi Lion Water Dropper

A small Japanese bronze water dropper, Meiji period (1868-1912), In the form of a shi-shi lion, 6 x 9 cm

A scholar's water dropper with Jun glaze together with a blue…

Jun Glazed Water Dropper and Ming Blue Cup

A scholar's water dropper with Jun glaze together with a blue and white stemmed cup with underglaze blue Ming mark. [2] Dropper. Diameter 6 cm

A Chinese blue and white bird form water dropper, 20th century,…

Chinese Blue and White Bird Water Dropper

A Chinese blue and white bird form water dropper, 20th century, 8 cm high

A carved jadeite water dropper with fitted wood stand, 12 cm…

Jadeite Water Dropper with Stand

A carved jadeite water dropper with fitted wood stand, 12 cm long, 220g. Provenance: NSW Private Collection

Oriental frog form water dropper

Oriental Water Dropper Frog

Oriental frog form water dropper

Oriental blue & white water dropper

Blue and white Oriental water dropper

Oriental blue & white water dropper

Oriental box form water dropper decorated with chickens

Chicken-themed Oriental Water Dropper Box

Oriental box form water dropper decorated with chickens

Oriental blue & white water dropper box form

Blue & White Water Dropper Box

Oriental blue & white water dropper box form

Chinese earthenware water dropper of vegatable form

Veggie Water Dropper

Chinese earthenware water dropper of vegatable form

A Japanese ivory frog water dripper, Meiji period, 19th century,…

Meiji Ivory Frog Water Dripper with Lotus Leaf

A Japanese ivory frog water dripper, Meiji period, 19th century, well carved and depicting a frog accompanied by clambering froglets upon a finely carved and engraved lotus leaf, a stalk underside, the frog hollowed to the body with an aperture to its…

A Meiji period black lacquer writing box, inside well used…

Meiji Era Lacquer Writing Box with Family Crests

A Meiji period black lacquer writing box, inside well used inkstone and copper water dropper, on lid three family mon crests, inside two pine trees, 22.5 x 14 cm

A twin-duck water dropper, Ming dynasty modelled as a duck and…

Ming Dynasty Twin-Duck Water Dropper

A twin-duck water dropper, Ming dynasty modelled as a duck and a drake side by side, the hollow backs with a central aperture, covered in a green glaze, the wing plummage and heads picked out in aubergine and yellow 9.5 cm long

Selection of oriental pieces, to include a water dropper, a…

Oriental Collection: Water Dropper, Frog, Malachite and More

Selection of oriental pieces, to include a water dropper, a green frog, malachite and various other pieces, 11 pieces in total.

Chinese bronze water Dropper, of bell form with dragon handle…

Dragon-handled bronze water dropper with lion finial

Chinese bronze water Dropper, of bell form with dragon handle and lion finial with darkened, worn patina

Unusual pair Chinese Buddha's feet water droppers in the shape…

Koi Fish Foot Water Droppers

Unusual pair Chinese Buddha's feet water droppers in the shape of a pair of feet each surmounted by a blue and white Koi fish with spout opening, 10 cm long

Chinese brass water dropper, in the form of a pig. 9.5 cm long

Chinese Pig Brass Water Dropper

Chinese brass water dropper, in the form of a pig. 9.5 cm long

A Chinese pottery green glazed water dropper together with a…

Chinese Pottery and Soapstone Carving Collection

A Chinese pottery green glazed water dropper together with a pottery green glazed figure, green crackle glazed bowl and signed soap stone carving of a small exotic animal

A Chinese bronze water Dropper in the antique manner, in the…

Chinese Bronze Trumpet Water Dropper

A Chinese bronze water Dropper in the antique manner, in the form of a trumpet bell with a broad spreading base having a long slender engraved spout and an applied 'C' shaped handle, the small lid with a dog of fo finial, the body decorated with vertical…

An 18th century Chinese/Korean water dropper in the shape. of a…

18th Century Asian Quince Water Dropper

An 18th century Chinese/Korean water dropper in the shape. of a quince. Olive green with dark red glaze. Sotheby's Chicago tag to underside. Height 7 cm

A Chinese porcelain model of a vegetable (lotus?) pod, probably…

Chinese Lotus Pod Porcelain Water Dropper

A Chinese porcelain model of a vegetable (lotus?) pod, probably a water dropper, underglaze blue and enamel decoration. Length 13 cm

A beautifully potted Chinese celadon water dropper in the shape…

18th Century Chinese Celadon Kylin Water Dropper with Stand

A beautifully potted Chinese celadon water dropper in the shape of a kylin or mythical beast sitting on a fabulous, custom-made carved fruitwood stand. 18th century or earlier. Hairline crack to one back leg. Length 11 cm.

Two Korean celadon water droppers, both with slip decoration.…

Korean Celadon Slip-Decorated Water Droppers

Two Korean celadon water droppers, both with slip decoration. Height 6 cm

A Chinese silver 'Water Buffalo and Child' water dropper, with…

Enamelled Chinese Silver Water Buffalo Dropper

A Chinese silver 'Water Buffalo and Child' water dropper, with enamelled details to child. Some losses to enamel. Length 14 cm

Chinese porcelain water Dropper. Sage in red robes decoration…

Chinese Sage Water Dropper with Red Robes Decoration

Chinese porcelain water Dropper. Sage in red robes decoration character marks to base. Height 14 cm

Five various Chinese porcelain items, including two brush pots;…

Assorted Chinese Porcelain Items

Five various Chinese porcelain items, including two brush pots; cracked glaze frog form water dropper; jar (missing lid); and small dish. Height 12 cm. (average for brusHeight pots)

A Chinese porcelain water dropper, in the shape of a miniature…

Chinese Teapot Water Dropper with Blue and Red Flowers

A Chinese porcelain water dropper, in the shape of a miniature teapot decorated in underglaze blue and red flowers in relief. Length 15 cm

Early Japanese Bizen ware water dropper in the form of a cat

Bizen Cat Water Dropper

Early Japanese Bizen ware water dropper in the form of a cat

Dark brown Chinese glazed water Dropper with lugs Age uncertain.…

Antique Chinese Glazed Water Dropper with Wear

Dark brown Chinese glazed water Dropper with lugs Age uncertain. Extensive wear. Height 10 cm.