Bronze water dropper (suiteki) in the form of a stylized chrysanthemum and a handle in the shape of a dragon’s head with its tongue.

Used in calligraphy, the water dropper is a small container used to hold the water that is added to the ink stone. It has two small holes for water and air, and is designed so that only a few drops can fall at a time.

Japan – Late Edo period (1612-1868) or Meiji era (1868-1812), 19^th century

Height: 1.2 in (3.8 cm) – width: 4.7 in (12 cm) – depth: 3.9 in (10 cm)