This water dropper also known as a 'kendi', takes the shape of a juggler who holds a ball on his right hand and a club on the other. The top of his hat has an opening from which liquid can be poured. Painted details such facial features are decorated in an iron-black glaze. Kendi is a Malay term derived from the Sanskrit word ‘kundika’, a small ritual pouring vessel. A typical kendi has a bulbous body, a neck which is used for holding the vessel and a spout. Kendi have been used in Southeast Asia for at least a thousand years, as indicated by depictions on temple wall reliefs dating back to 9th century CE. They include locally made earthenware kendi as well as glazed wares from China, Japan, Thailand and Vietnam. Kendi were used for a wide range of purposes in addition to their primary function as a pouring and drinking container. Miniature kendi were likely to have been medicine containers or toys.Sawankhalok, one of the twin royal cities of north-central Thailand, was at the heart of one of the largest ceramic-producing centres in Southeast Asia during the 14th century.A wide range of iron-brown wares were made during this period including jars, pouring vessels like this piece and sculptural figures.
