Indonesian Kendi or Ritual Water Vessel

Dark, rippled belly with a gourd-shaped neck and a snout-like spout

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. Bands of rolled ridges swell around a rounded body on a flared foot. A gourd-shaped neck with a small opening rises above a flat shoulder. A spout with a knobby tip angles left. Glossy dark brown with pale flecks. It is 6.25 inches wide, 5.75 deep and 8.25 high.

Rippling with quiet satisfaction, and not a drop spilled.