The Cleveland Museum of Art
Collection Online as of March 16, 2026
Octagonal Water Dropper Decorated with Flower Design
late 1700s
Location: Not on view
Did You Know?
A small spout in the shape of a cicada is placed on one of the octagonal sides. This decorative element not only adds a sense of whimsical aesthetic sensibility to this scholarly utensil, but also aims to symbolize the aspiration for scholarly achievement—as loud as the cicada’s song.Description
A water dropper was an essential utensil for a literati man of the Joseon dynasty (1392–1910) in writing calligraphy. It was used to add water, by small drops, to an inkstone while grinding an ink stick. This work has a small spout in the shape of a cicada. This decorative element not only adds a sense of whimsical sensibility to this scholarly utensil, but also aims to symbolize the aspiration for scholarly achievement—as loud as the cicada’s song.- ?–2024(My Auction, Seoul, South Korea, sold to the Cleveland Museum of Art)2024–The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
- {{cite web|title=Octagonal Water Dropper Decorated with Flower Design|url=false|author=|year=late 1700s|access-date=16 March 2026|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}
Source URL:
https://www.clevelandart.org/art/2024.37