Shiwan Pottery Water Dropper in the Shape of a 3-legged Toad

Tags: craft | glaze | Shiwan

The three-legged toad is said to be a toad spirit, the essence of the moon. In the myth, lunar eclipse happens when the toad swallows the moon, and people must set off fire crackers or ring bells in order to make it spit the moon out. Since this piece was found in a mercury mine, it was probably used as an oil lamp. The toad’s body was painted in a transparent glaze except for the inside and soles; some areas have green glaze added on. The style is simple yet vivid and the mottled glaze gives out a sense of vicissitudes. 

 

National Museum of History