Celadon Water Dropper in the Shape of Mother and Baby Monkeys

A Goryeo celadon water dropper in the shape of monkeys, 9.8 cm high and 6.0 cm across the body. A hole about 1.0 cm across on the mother's head is for filling, and one 0.3 cm across on the baby's head for pouring water onto the inkstone, which shows that it is a water dropper. The fingers and toes of both monkeys are carved out between to stand in relief, and the mother's eyes and nose and the baby's eyes are dots of black pigment. The mother's awkward half-crouch and the fretful baby portray the love between them with humour. The glaze is well fused and transparent, with fine bubbles throughout that give it softness, and the surface is a beautiful jade green. Its glaze matches that of the celadon melon-shaped vase and celadon box made in 1146, so it is thought to date from the first half of the twelfth century. Monkey-shaped droppers are rare among Goryeo celadon, and one in the form of mother and child is unique.

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Where it is

Region

Seongbuk-gu, Seoul

Designation

National Treasure · 국보