Indonesian Kendi or Ritual Water Vessel

Black onion dome balanced on a wide skirt, with a spout like a clenched fist

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. Deep, nearly black surface with fine scratchy texture. A bulb-shaped neck with a tiny nub on top rises from a rounded shoulder and a flaring, conical foot. The spout ends in a small knobby head. It is 6.25 inches wide, 5.25 deep and 7.25 high.

A proper onion on a proper skirt, quite dignified.