Vintage Japanese Sometsuke Porcelain Suiteki (Bird Water Dropper) with Kiri Wood Box, Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26J-0332-1

Vintage Japanese Sometsuke Porcelain Suiteki (Bird Water Dropper) with Kiri Wood Box, Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26J-0332-1

A miniature blue-and-white porcelain suiteki with bird motif, stored in its original fitted kiri wood box

A suiteki is a traditional Japanese water dropper used by calligraphers and ink painters to transfer precise drops of water onto a suzuri (ink stone) when preparing sumi ink. This charming example takes a flat hexagonal form in fine white porcelain, decorated in the classic sometsuke style -- cobalt-blue underglaze -- with a beautifully observed bird, likely a quail, rendered with confident brushwork against an open white ground. Two small holes pierce the top surface: one for filling, one for dispensing water drop by drop. The sides carry horizontal blue band striping that frames the piece with quiet elegance. A maker's mark is visible on the unglazed base. The fitted paulownia (kiri) wood box is inscribed "Tori Suiteki" -- bird water dropper -- and retains what appears to be an original maker's label inside, suggesting this was produced and sold as a gift-quality artisan piece. The blue-and-white palette and meticulous miniature scale place it firmly in the tradition of Japanese vintage ceramics prized by both calligraphers and collectors.

Though originally a scholar's desk tool, this suiteki is a delightful objet d'art in its own right. Displayed in its kiri wood box on a home office desk, writing table, or bookshelf, it adds a refined wabi-sabi aesthetic to any space. It makes an exceptional gift for Japanophiles, calligraphy enthusiasts, or collectors of vintage Japanese ceramics -- a piece small enough to tuck into a curio cabinet yet detailed enough to anchor a minimalist decor vignette. Pair it with a writing brush or ink stone for a complete Japanese scholar's desk display, or let it stand alone as a living room accent in the Japandi style.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: White porcelain with cobalt-blue underglaze (sometsuke); fitted kiri wood (paulownia) storage box
• Use: Suiteki -- calligraphy water dropper used to dispense water onto an ink stone for preparing sumi ink
• Modern Use: Decorative desk accent or curio display; gift for calligraphy or Japanese art collectors; centerpiece of a Japanese scholar's desk vignette
• Features: Flat hexagonal form; two small functional holes on top surface (fill and pour); hand-painted bird motif in blue-and-white underglaze; horizontal blue band striping on sides; maker's mark on base; original fitted kiri wood box with inscribed lid and interior maker's label
• Dimensions: 2 1/4"Diameter x 1"H
• Condition: Excellent

A finely crafted piece of vintage Japanese ceramic art -- as much a collector's treasure as a calligrapher's tool, bringing the quiet elegance of the Japanese scholar's desk into any modern home.

We use professional studio lighting to highlight the natural character of the wood. As a result, the tone may appear slightly warmer than under natural daylight.

All vintage items are sold as-is. Each piece may exhibit signs of age, including scratches, wear, or minor imperfections. These are not considered defects but natural evidence of the item’s authenticity and age.