The water dropper is part of the Lee Kun-hee Collection at the National Museum of Korea
A small Joseon-era porcelain carp, caught mid-leap from blue-painted waves, is getting its moment in the spotlight after it inspired the top prize at the National Museum of Korea's annual costume contest, Dress Like a Museum Exhibit.
The museum said Wednesday it will display the "White Porcelain Carp-shaped Water Dropper" on the third floor of the permanent exhibition hall through Oct. 22.
Believed to date from the Joseon era (1392-1910), the blue-and-white porcelain water dropper depicts an old tale in which a fish that swims against a powerful current and leaps through the Dragon Gate finally becomes a dragon.
A water dropper is a small vessel that holds water for grinding an ink stick on an inkstone. Most were made of porcelain or celadon.
The piece measures 9.4 centimeters tall and 10.6 cm long. It is part of the Lee Kun-hee Collection, artworks and artifacts donated to the state by the family of the late Samsung Group chairman.
Waves painted in cobalt blue pigment along the base of the dropper capture the moment the carp springs out of the water.
University student Jeon Eun-seul won the grand prize at the 2026 contest, held Saturday, with a witty interpretation of the leaping carp.
The contest invites visitors to dress up as artifacts from the museum's collection and present their takes on stage. This year's edition drew 275 teams, totaling 643 participants.
yoohong@heraldcorp.com
