Indonesian Kendi or Ritual Water Vessel

Ridges swirl down a rounded body toward a spout that strikes a skyward pose

This kendi, or ritual water vessel is from Java, Indonesia, and dates to the early 20th century. It is terra cotta. Terra cotta is low-fired earthenware clay, which stays porous and is valued for water vessels because evaporation through the walls tends to keep the contents cool. Chocolate brown with a few paler spots. A round, banded body leads up through concentric rings to a ringed neck topped with a small disc-like cap. A long, narrow spout slants high from the shoulder. It is 6 inches wide, 5.5 deep and 6.5 high.

Elegant, ringed, and pointedly lifting its spout.