Busacca Gallery

These amazing tools were used by Chinese calligraphers. Water dropper tools were used to make ink on a stone, which could then be mixed into the brush and applied to paper. You were looking at an antique enamel Cloisonné water dropper container, designed to be a part of a Japanese Sumi tray, ink well, and Sumi-brush washer. It was used specifically for painting and creating Chinese calligraphy and Oriental art. Dimension 3 inches long Heights 7/8 the width 1 1/2 inches

The water dropper container, also known as a Japanese Sumi tray, ink well, or Sumi-brush washer, has a rich history in the realm of Chinese calligraphy and Oriental art. It serves as a crucial accessory for artists and calligraphers. Traditionally, the water dropper container is crafted with exquisite precision and attention to detail. It is typically made from materials such as porcelain, ceramic, or metal, and often showcases intricate designs or motifs that reflect the artistic traditions of the region. The primary purpose of the water dropper container is to hold water that is used in the preparation of ink. In the practice of Sumi-e painting and Chinese calligraphy, artists grind an ink stick on an inkstone and mix it with water to create the desired consistency of ink. The water dropper container provides a convenient and controlled way to add water to the inkstone during this process. Additionally, the container serves as a Sumi-brush washer. After completing a stroke or finishing a piece of artwork, artists rinse their brushes in the container to remove excess ink and maintain the integrity of the brush bristles. The water dropper container, with its functional and aesthetic qualities, embodies the essence of traditional East Asian art and continues to be cherished by artists and collectors alike for its historical significance and artistic value.