Early 19th Century Joseon Porcelain Peach-Form Water-Dropper

During the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897), water-droppers, known as “yeonjeok”, played an important role in the daily lives of scholars and artists. These small ceramic vessels were designed to hold water and regulate its flow when making ink. They were also seen as a symbol of refined taste and scholarly pursuits. Water droppers were intricately crafted, often featuring elegant designs and motifs. Today, these artifacts serve as a testament to the artistic and cultural heritage of the Joseon Dynasty.

This particular example in peach-form from the late Joseon period is decorated with an underglaze iron, cobalt and cinnabar accents. The body of the vessel is smooth with a warm white hue that is characteristic of Korean white-wares of this period. In Korean art, peaches are considered a symbol of immortality and are associated with the mythical “Peaches of Immortality” believed to grow in the heavenly orchard.making it a fine accoutrement to any painter’s or scholar’s desk.