Lot 1258. A Longquan celadon mountain-form brush rest and water dropper, Ming dynasty (1368-1644); 6¼ in. (15.8 cm.) long. Estimate USD 5,000 - USD 7,000. Price realised USD 12,500. © Christie's Images Ltd 2013

The crescent-form water dropper is modeled in the shape of a five-peaked mountain rising from subtle waves, with the fifth peak pierced and carved as an animal head with open mouth functioning as the spout. It is carved on the front with a scholar and his attendant crossing a low bridge, and the back is pierced with a hole for filling with water. The piece is covered in an olive-green glaze that falls short of the flat base.

Provenance: Sotheby's London, 11 December 1990, lot 247.

Note: It is rare to find a mountain-form brush rest that also functions as a water dropper. Ming-dynasty mountain-form brush rest/water droppers exist in bronze and jade, but Longquan celadon examples appear to be quite rare.

An interesting example of a combined brush rest/water dropper with a yue-type glaze, in the Edward T. Chow Collection was sold at Sotheby's London, 16 December 1980, lot 259. Like the present example, it is carved on the front with a scene of a scholar and attendant above waves, and the fifth peak, though on the right side, is pierced as a "nozzle." The Edward T. Chow example is inscribed with a date of 1402.