Water Dropper

Place Made DisplayVietnam

MediumStoneware

Dimensions1 3/4 × 2 3/8 × 2 1/2 inches (4.4 × 6 × 6.4 cm)

CultureVietnam

ClassificationsCeramics

Credit LineGift of Ruth B. Sharp

Terms

Ceramics
Stoneware
Vietnamese
Stoneware

Object number95.072.150

Label CopyThroughout Southeast Asia, potters used whimsical zoomorphic and anthropomorphic forms for ceramic vessels including bottles, water droppers, and jars used as lime containers in the preparation of betel nut. These animal-style wares included birds, elephants, frogs, rabbits, and other mythological creatures. Bird shapes in ceramics, statuary, or architectural motifs in general have been equated with celestial beings because of their ability to fly. They are seen as intermediaries between the earth and the heavenly realms or as messengers to the gods.

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