Description: I've learned much about this little guy since I found him at a junky "estate sale" in Northwest Arkansas. From the other items in the sale it was obvious the previous owner had been a veteran of the Korean War. I have no doubt this water dropper returned with him as a souvenir. I have read that, sadly, times were so hard for Koreans during the war, they traded found artifacts with soldiers for cash or supplies. In shape and demeanor this fellow represents a Komainu, or "Lion-Dog" some call them. The word literally means "Korean dog," but dates from a time when the mythology of animals gave these creatures extraordinary strength as guardians of temples and shrines. (Perhaps this one guarded his American owner during the war as well?) Inspecting examples of ancient Komainu, the nearest resemblance I find in images online are the very ancient ones of Izumo, Japan, a region which had very strong connections with the Korean penninsula. This and the greenish gray glaze cause me to believe this may in fact date from as far back as the Goryeo period, but it would take an expert in Asian glazes to determine that. The crude "provincial" craftsmanship suggests it would have been an item used by an ordinary calligrapher (as opposed to someone from the ruling class, as their suitekis could be quite elegant), but nevertheless the user in this case would have been someone capable of reading and writing, as water droppers were used to make ink, by dropping carefully measured drops of water onto pigment ground in little dishes. If you have read this far, you probably know more about Asian history and water droppers than I do. I'm including a photo of the appraisal I received from the online service valuemystuff, which I got connected to through a reputable auction house. The appraiser has expertise with Asian antiquities, but obviously needed to provide the caveat their appraisal was only from inspecting photographs. I will gladly answer other questions you may have. I have enjoyed my humble little friend while he has been in my care, but my hope is that he can find a new home with a collector or historian who will appreciate him for what he represents in a fascinating craft and culture.
Price: 400 USD
Location: Branson, Missouri
End Time: 2024-02-25T23:14:21.000Z
Shipping Cost: 0 USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Return shipping will be paid by: Seller
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money back or replacement (buyer's choice)
Primary Material: Porcelain & Pottery
Type: Water dropper
Color: Gray
Original/Reproduction: Antique Original
Region of Origin: Korea
