A stunning and very rare Blanc de Chine water dropper, made in China in the 19th/ early 20th century. A water dropper is a container used by calligraphers, designed to hold a small amount of water. In order to make ink a few drops of water are dropped onto the surface of an inkstone. This is an exceptionally finely crafted piece, shaped like a lotus leaf, the petiole forming the spout. The water is directed from the bowl through a little hole at the base of the spout. An ingenious design that combines aesthetics with function. Provenance: Rob Michiels, Brugge Private collection, Belgium 9 cm high 17 X 11 cm Overall, very good condition with baking flaws on one side.