Autumn heralds the season of harvest when myriad fruits are ripe. Here is a Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) Zisha pottery water dropper for diluting ink from the Yixing kiln, featuring an elaborate design that puts together diverse plants.
It has a round body in the shape of an upside-down pomegranate, a mushroom-shaped lid, a lotus stem-shaped spout, and a lingzhi fungus-shaped handle. A melon seed is attached to the shoulder. A persimmon, a peach and a walnut serve as its three feet. A seven-character inscription is engraved on the belly. This rare and exquisite water dropper is in the permanent collection of the Palace Museum.