Indonesian Kendi or Ritual Water Vessel

Tent-shaped body in tomato red with a spout as pointed as a hat

This kendi, or ritual water vessel is from Java, Indonesia, and dates to the early 20th century. It is terra cotta. A kendi usually has a rounded body, a narrow neck and a short spout, and the shape is thought to descend from earlier Indian water vessels. Bright orange-red with brown shading. A conical, stepped body rises to a rounded finial. A sharp spout extends low on the left. Fine rings circle the shoulder, and a small patch of pale crust clings at the right. It is 7 inches wide, 5.25 deep and 6.5 high.

Dressed for a festival, whatever the festival happens to be.