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Pouring vessel (kendi)
Pouring vessel (kendi)

Pouring vessel (kendi)

Place of OriginSi Satchanalai, Thailand; Si Satchanalai
Dateapprox. 1400-1550
MaterialsHigh-fired ceramic with underglaze painting
DimensionsH. 6 1/4 in x W. 6 1/2 in x D. 5 1/2 in, H. 15.9 cm x W. 16.5 cm x D. 14 cm
Credit LineThe James and Elaine Connell Collection of Thai Ceramics
Object number1989.34.38
DepartmentSoutheast Asian Art
ClassificationsCeramics
On View
Not on view
Text Entries

Kundika and Kendi

The kundika, as it is called in the classical language of northern India, is a type of vessel made in a variety of materials and found in many parts of Asia. The defining characteristic of these vessels is that they have a mouth and a spout but no separate handle.

The kendi (a Malay/Indonesian term) is a variation of the kundika; usually of rather squat proportions and made of ceramic, kendi were widely used in Southeast Asia. The demand for these vessels in Indonesia was so great that they were produced in China, Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam and exported to Indonesia.

Pouring vessel (kendi)
approx. 1100-1200
Spouted pouring vessel (kendi)
14th-early 15th century
Lidded box
approx. 1520-1580
Lidded box
approx. 1520-1580
Lidded box
approx. 1520-1580
Bowl
approx. 1375-1425
Bowl
approx. 1500-1550
Bowl
approx. 1500-1550
Lidded box
approx. 1520-1580
Lidded box
approx. 1520-1580