Indonesian Kendi or Ritual Water Vessel

Stacked ridges climb a pointed dome to a final knob like a stupa

This kendi, or ritual water vessel is from Java, Indonesia, and dates to the early 20th century. It is terra cotta. On Java, water vessels have long been used in daily life and in ceremonies, where water is commonly associated with purification and hospitality. Pale streaks cross the brown surface. A tiered, bell-shaped body is ringed by many pronounced ridges, with a flat shelf below a smooth domed finial. A short spout points lower left, and a small ridge lump sits at the right. It is 6.75 inches wide, 6.25 deep and 7 high.

An exercise in doing one thing, in rings, many times.