Indonesian Kendi or Ritual Water Vessel

Ringed like a beehive, with a spout that leans in to eavesdrop

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. Horizontal ridges wrap a rounded body that narrows to a slim neck and a stacked, pointed finial. A short spout angles out at upper left. Dark brown surface with lighter scrapes and a few shallow dents. It is 4.75 inches wide, 4.25 deep and 7.5 high.

Pleated all the way up, and proud of every ridge.