Southeast Asia, Thailand, Sawankhalok or Sukhothai, ca. 15th century CE. A gorgeous pottery kendi, or teapot, displaying a bulbous, double-tiered body, a slender neck, and a wide, flared rim, all sitting upon a ring-form, applied foot. A prominent mammiform spout projects from one side at an upward diagonal. Boasting hues of mocha, caramel, and cream, the ancient vessel has been decoratively incised and glazed with a beautiful vegetal pattern comprised of swirling vines and leaves. The rim additionally embellished with a star motif. Kendi are unique to Southeast Asia and appear in sculptures and paintings as attributes held by Hindu gods and various figures in Buddhism. Kendi are ritual containers for holy water that has been collected from sacred rivers; kings would use them in coronation ceremonies to wash and purify themselves. Size: 8" in diameter x 5.625" H (20.3 cm x 14.3 cm)

Provenance: ex-Ashland University Museum, Ashland, Ohio, USA

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#164878

Chip to rim. Repair and restoration to spout and neck. Nicks to rim, commensurate with age. Otherwise, excellent with impressively preserved detail and glaze.