Kendi

Title
Kendi
Year/Period
Probably early 20th century
Region
Lampung, southern Sumatra
Object Type
Material
Dimension
Object size: H22.3 cm
Accession No.
C-1205

This 'kendi' has a lobed body of squat globular form. It has a mammiform spout with a circle-round handle which has triangular forms along its outer edge.The ‘kendi’ as it is known in Southeast Asia, was reproduced in metal and ceramics in many parts of the region. The name comes from the ancient Sanskrit name for water vessel and it is generally believed that the Southeast Asian ‘kendi’ developed from the Indian ‘kundika’. A typical kendi has a bulbous body, a neck which is used for holding the vessel and a spout. It was used for a wide range of purposes in addition to their primary function as a pouring and drinking vessel. It was also important as a ritual pouring vessel used in weddings and other ceremonies.