Chinese figural, water dropper? Ink well?

4 1/2" by 4 1/2", marked China ...in the bottom... is it a water dropper or inkwell? If not ? Thanks!

 

Hi, with the hole in the bottom I do not think it can hold ink or water? Maybe a pen or incense stick holder? It is Shiwan pottery, maybe Republic period.

 

Hi @wildrose
What's a water dropper?
I love that pattern on your background!
I couldn't find a reclining mudman, but this gut looks like he could be his brother

 

Bottom looks closed to me; hard to be sure.

 

'Seated mudman' produced this brush washer:

https://www.rubylane.com/item/161143-A903/Chinese-Mudman-Larger-Seated-Sage-Holding

 

It definitely holds a brush or pen across the bottom front. I'll look at all the options you all posted.

 

@scoutshouse https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water-dropper_(calligraphy)

 

From Wiki link: A water-dropper has two small holes for water and air, and is designed so that only a few drops of water can fall at one time.

 

The bottom of the vase/pot is closed and glazed so it would hold liquid.

 

@scoutshouse about the background.... I had the grandkids for dinner and breakfast this weekend, that background is actually my table protector because I had to wash my tablecloth!! =D