170 - Scholar's accessory, zoomorphic frog-shaped dropper, China, Ming Dynasty, 15th-17th centuries

Scholar's accessory, zoomorphic frog-shaped dropper, China, Ming Dynasty, 15th-17th centuries Cizhu-style porcelain with a two-tone crackled beige and brown glaze. This object, designed for moistening ink, is modeled in the shape of a squatting frog. Its compact body and soft volumes are accentuated by a network of fine crackles covering the light surface. Brown highlights, applied spontaneously, underline the reliefs of the back, eyes, and legs, adding rhythm and contrast to the overall effect. The central perforation and secondary openings are harmoniously integrated into the zoomorphic silhouette, reinforcing the interplay between function and decoration. The deliberately simple yet expressive aesthetic reflects the spirit of the Cizhu workshops, where freedom of expression and plastic force take precedence over preciousness, placing this piece within the tradition of scholarly accessories from the Ming Dynasty. 4.5 x 6 cm.