Indonesian Kendi or Ritual Water Vessel

Glossy black drum of a body with a neck stacked like a lamp base

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. Deep black, mirror-slick surface with small pale flecks. A tall, straight-sided body with one faint seam low down supports a shoulder shelf and a neck of several ridged collars, ending in a plate-like lip. A tiny knobbed spout points left. It is 5.5 inches wide, 5 deep and 7.5 high.

Black tie, tall collar, immaculate manners.