A SMALL CHINESE 'SHI SOU'-STYLE SILVER AND GOLD WIRE-INLAID ZOOMORPHIC WATER DROPPER

A SMALL CHINESE 'SHI SOU'-STYLE SILVER AND GOLD WIRE-INLAID ZOOMORPHIC WATER DROPPER
17TH/18TH CENTURY

151g, 7.5cm.

Modelled as a three-legged mythical beast with the crested head forming the spout, the exterior decorated with archaistic scrolls inlaid with silver and gold wire, fitted with a hinged cover surmounted by a bird finial.

Cf. Bonhams Hong Kong, 27th November 2024, lot 263 for a closely related example dated to the Ming dynasty.