Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami

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

Terms

Object number89.0009

On View

Not on view

Collections

Art of Asia

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.