Korean Ceramic Celadon Turtle Form Water Dropper Goryeo Period

A Korean ceramic water dropper in the form of a turtle or tortoise from Goryeo Period circ 12-13th century. The realistically molded piece is covered in a mellow celadon glaze with subtle hexagon patterns incised on the tortoise shell. The refill hole on the top back and the sprout hole around the mouth were highlighted with copper red glaze. The eyes were dotted with dark-blue color. There are spur spots on the base from the kiln-firing. Turtle and tortoise are beloved symbols of longevity for their preservation of life span.
Water dropper is an important element of the scholarly accoutrements one would find on the desk of the study in many Asian literary societies, including in Korea. It can be made from different material and serves as a small container to drop water to the ink stone to grind the ink for writing. Many forms were created for these small objects with symbolic meaning for the users. Over time, these small pieces evolved into miniature art with various sculptural form.
For a celadon water dropper of a duck form with incision from the similar period, see item 50.964 illustrated in the book MFA Highlights: Arts of Korea (2012), p. 75.