Bronze water dropper

Japan, Edo period (1603 – 1868)

Length: 2 1/2 inches, 6.5 cm
Height: 1 1/4 inches, 3 cm

A small bronze water dropper in the form of a bird, seated with its wings folded and tail lifted. The back has a small hole to enable water to be poured drop by drop from the bird’s beak.

It is possible that this charming bronze bird once formed part of the equipment of a suzuribako or writing box and would have enabled the user to mix ground ink with water, to paint or make calligraphy.