White Porcelain Water Dropper in the Shape of Mythical Lion

Joseon Period (19th Century)

This water dropper is modeled as a lion with mouth agape and eyes wide open in a fierce, forward glare. A boss protrudes from the back, and the fur of the tail, back, haunches, and legs is rendered in fine incised lines. The eyes are accented with dots of cobalt blue, each encircled by a painted ring of underglaze blue. The glaze is a pale celadon-blue tone, a quality characteristic of the Bunwon-ri kiln in Gwangju. During the first half of the nineteenth century, figural water droppers were produced in great variety and number; this lion, though baring its fangs in a fierce expression, radiates an endearing, approachable charm that is entirely at odds with its fearsome bearing — a quality that speaks to the wit and warmth of the Bunwon potters. The base is wiped free of glaze, and traces of fine sand kiln supports on which the piece was fired remain on the foot.