Peachbloom-glazed waterdropper (taibaizun)
Qing dynasty (1644–1911), Kangxi reign mark and period of (1662–1722)
Medium
Porcelain with copper-red (peachbloom) glaze
Dimensions
9.5 × 11.4 cm (3 3/4 × 4 1/2 in.); Diam.: 11.4 cm (4 1/2 in.)
Classification
porcelain
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
42328
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
The mottled pink glaze on this vessel is suffused with red blushes and delicate light green sprinkles, reminiscent of the tender skin of a ripening peach. An innovation during Kangxi’s reign, such glaze was often featured on small-size objects in the emperor’s study. This object served as a water dropper, with its narrow mouth ensuring precise control of water dispensed onto the inkstone during the ink-grinding process.
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...