Indonesian Ceramic Water Vessel

Fat little jar with a lizard scratched into its side.

This pottery water vessel is from Timor, Indonesia, and dates to the 20th century. Timor is an island in Southeast Asia, and earthenware there has traditionally served everyday needs such as carrying and storing water, cooking and serving food. Round, low-shouldered pot in speckled caramel-brown clay with a short neck and slightly flared mouth. A loose incised animal with curling limbs and a tail wraps around the belly, and the surface shows shallow throwing rings. It is 7.5 inches high and 9 in diameter.

A small reptile with a very big canvas.