Indonesian Kendi or Ritual Water Vessel

Pot-bellied vessel in deep brown with a spout like a small, polite beak

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. Smooth, dark, slightly matte surface with a soft sheen at the swells. A rounded body narrows to a shoulder, then a bulbous neck topped by a small onion-shaped finial. A short spout juts from the shoulder. It is 5 inches wide, 3.75 deep and 6.5 high.

Plump, composed, and very quietly ready to pour.