Indonesian Kendi or Ritual Water Vessel

Ruffled orange rim crowns a sober, faceted body with a tiny nub of a spout

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. Weathered patches speckle the brown surface. A wavy, flower-like orange lip tops a straight neck rising from a faceted, angular body. A banded shoulder is marked with fine lines. A tiny spout pokes out at left. It is 6.5 inches wide, 5.75 deep and 7.5 high.

Sober clothes, with a frilly collar for formal occasions.