Joseon Dynasty Celadon Duck-Shaped Water Dropper with Inlaid

This is a celadon water dropper fired during the late Joseon Dynasty. Water droppers are vessels used to hold the small amount of water needed for grinding ink in calligraphy they saw significant development on the Korean Peninsula, where scholars and literati commissioned a wide variety of playful designs. Creatures associated with water were frequently chosen as motifs, and this particular piece is shaped like a duck. While waterfowl-shaped vessels date back to the Goryeo Dynasty, this specific piece belongs to the Joseon Dynasty. It features a somewhat rustic overall form, with wing patterns rendered in black-and-white inlay. The face has a cleaner, more simplified appearance compared to Goryeo-period examples, with the eyes executed in black inlay. There is an opening on the back for filling the vessel with water, and a small spout at the tip of the beak for pouring it out. A portion of the base is left unglazed, showing small marks from the sand used to prevent the piece from sticking to the kiln floor during firing. The entire piece is coated in a pale celadon glaze characteristic of the Joseon era, featuring fine crackle-glaze patterns. While the surface shows some signs of aging and discoloration, it retains a pleasing, soft luster.There is no conspicuous flaws.