Water pouring vessel

Title
Water pouring vessel
Year/Period
Late 19th-early 20th century
Region
Sumatra
Object Type
Material
Technique
Dimension
Object size: Body: Dia21.5 /Base: Dia8.0 /H27.6 cm
Accession No.
C-0620

This 'kendi' has double-spout, one of which is a tubular mouth, and is connected by a looped handle. It has a short foot and ridges around the mid-section of its compressed ovoid body.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.