Indonesian Kendi or Ritual Water Vessel

Flared-lip neck, a pair of small ears at the shoulder, and rust-brown cheeks

This kendi, or ritual water vessel is from Java, Indonesia, and dates to the early 20th century. It is terra cotta. The kendi is a spouted vessel without a handle, found across Southeast Asia, and it is generally filled through a small neck opening and poured without touching the lips. Warm red-brown surface with fine horizontal combing. A slender neck with a wide, flat lip rises from a shoulder ringed with two upturned pointed tabs. The body swells softly and narrows toward a plain base. It is 6.5 inches high and 5 in diameter.

Alert ears, calm face, and not a single drop spilled.