Old bronze water dropper in the shape of a rabbit

We are now introducing on our web store a collection of items that we received in bulk from a rabbit-loving collector.

When you open the paulownia wood box...

An adorable, round rabbit fits snugly inside.

The water droplets are beautifully drawn, with the fur on the ears and hind legs clearly expressed.
With its widely spaced eyes, large deformed nose, and tightly held limbs, this rabbit is adorable in every way.

It was probably originally stored in an inkstone box.
When you pick it up, it feels heavy and the base metal is solid.

Rabbits are sacred and auspicious animals, and have been used as designs in many Eastern crafts since ancient times as symbols of prosperity and fertility.

Metalwork, which had previously been limited to a privileged class, began to become more common during the Edo period.
As urbanites gained economic power, they began to use metalwork to add style to their everyday items. As a result, artisans competed with each other to create stationery such as water droppers and arrow holders, as well as tobacco pipes and iron kettles.

The water droplets on this rabbit were probably created against this background.

In addition, since ancient times, droppers have been an important tool in the cultural sphere of calligraphy, but from the Edo period onwards, metalworking techniques developed to a high level, and many bronze water droppers were made with themes such as plants and animals, people and historical events.
Among them, animal-shaped water droplets remain very popular.

Although it was originally born as a water droplet, I think it can also be used as a paperweight.

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Please see other rabbit collections from the link below.

▶ Click here for Incense holder in the shape of Rabbits

▶ Click here for the Long-eared rabbit writing rack

▶ Click here for Old bronze water dropper in the shape of a rabbit

[Responsible for | Megu Fukaya]