Indonesian Kendi or Ritual Water Vessel

Smooth, bumpy spout swells like a bulb beside a stout cylinder neck

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. Gray-brown surface speckled with fine pale grit and little decoration. A round, matte body bears a thick cylindrical neck with a rounded lip. At left, a rounded, bulb-like spout projects with no visible opening. It is 10 inches wide, 7.25 deep and 9.25 high.

Stout, speckled, and as plain-spoken as they come.