瓷制虾蟹造型滴水壶，釉下铜红与铁褐色 - 陶瓷 - 韓國 - 朝鲜王朝（1392–1897）

Porcelain Shrimp-and-Crab Shape Water Dropper with Underglaze Coppper-red and Iron-brown

This is a water dropper fired during the late Joseon Dynasty.
It features a very rare shape, with a shrimp serving as the base and a small crab ornament atop it.
The shrimp features a design characteristic of Korean ceramics, with a large head; its eyes are painted with an iron-based pigment, and its antennae are depicted as patterns.
The crab, though small, has prominent, bulging eyes colored with an iron-based pigment; it possesses eight legs, and its large claws are crafted in a three-dimensional manner.
The body is adorned with fine ridges, accentuated by red pigment applied to the body and brown pigment derived from iron.
In particular, the red pigment used on the body is often likened to the mineral cinnabar due to its similar color and is considered a rarity.
The base is left unglazed, allowing the natural color of the fired clay to be clearly seen.
In Korea, the water dropper used to add a small amount of water when grinding ink is considered one of the “Four Treasures of the Study,” and various designs were created to embody the sentiments of scholars.
Water is poured into the upper part of the body, and there is a hole at the tip of the shrimp’s head through which the water flows.
In China and Korea, the shrimp is regarded as an auspicious symbol representing “things proceeding smoothly without obstacles” and “fortune soaring suddenly” due to its active movements and molting behavior.
The crab design is considered auspicious for matters of competition and financial fortune.
This is one of the items cherished by literati who held such beliefs in high regard.
In Japan, this shape is known as “ebi-kani” (shrimp and crab) and is very popular.

Period: Korea – 19th century (Joseon Dynasty)
Dimensions: Height 5.4 cm; Width 12 cm ; Depth 4 cm
Weight: 116g

*Condition
There is no conspicuous flaws. It has good luster throughout and is in good condition.

*Shipping method
We will ship by EMS.
The item will be wrapped in cloth, placed in a hard box, and then further packed in a cardboard box for shipping.
Shipping to Japan will be done via Japan Post's parcel delivery service(Yu-Pack).

*Disclaimer & Terms of Sale
Attribution: Period and origin attributions are based on our gallery's expert opinion and do not imply a legal guarantee of authenticity.
Visual Confirmation: Please review the photos thoroughly before bidding. Actual colors may vary slightly due to digital screen settings.
Antique Condition: We disclose prominent damage or repairs, but antique items inherently possess age-related wear (minor scratches, dents, stains, discoloration, etc.) that may not be fully detailed. If you are seeking pristine or modern perfection, we respectfully ask that you refrain from bidding.
Policy: For the reasons stated above, we cannot accept returns, claims, or cancellations based on subjective differences in interpretation or minor age-related wear.
Testing Notice: Please be advised that we will not accept any returns, refunds, or claims if the object has undergone any destructive or invasive testing (such as Thermoluminescence/TL testing) without our prior written consent.
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