Wine Cup or Water Dropper
Dateearly 18th century
Mediumporcelain and turquoise glaze
DimensionsOverall: 3 1/2 x 5 3/8 x 2 3/8 in. (8.9 x 13.7 x 6 cm)
ClassificationsContainers
Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. C. Ruxton Love through exchange
Object number89.0009
DescriptionThis small cup imitates the jue, one of the ancient bronze shapes of the Shang Dynasty (ca. 1600-1027 BCE). The jue functioned as a wine vessel and was popularly reproduced throughout Chinese history as both a functioning wine vessel, but increasingly as an item of archaistic interest that decorated the scholar’s writing desk. It is possible that this small vessel was created not as a wine cup, but rather as a water dropper to be used in the production of ink for calligraphy and painting.
