Indonesian Kendi or Ritual Water Vessel

Sandy, parchment-toned vessel with a snub-nosed spout

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. Surface runs from cream to tan with darker brown spots and an uneven, chalky finish. A rounded, wide body narrows to a smooth neck with a ring below a small flanged mouth. A blunt, snout-like spout points left. It is 6.75 inches wide, 5.25 deep and 5.5 high.

A sleepy bird of a pot, still dreaming of the pond.