Southeast Asia, Thailand, ca. 19th century CE. This is a wonderful porcelain elephant kendi or ewer with a blue on white glaze. The elephant stands upright on delineated legs upon an integral rectangular base. On the animal's left side are a pair of standing attendant figures, and a third figure as the mahout, riding just behind the elephant's head. Atop the back is a flared opening mouth for filling the hollow vessel, and the upturned trunk forms the pouring spout with an opening in the tip. An ivory white glaze covers the surface and cobalt blue designs are painted to create the howdah riding cloth and floral patterns across the elephant's skin. Kendi vessels 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: 9" L x 3.75" W x 6.5" H (22.9 cm x 9.5 cm x 16.5 cm)
Provenance: private Lumberton, Texas, USA collection, acquired before 2010
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#169567
Condition
Stable hairline fissures and abrasions, but otherwise intact. Discoloration and staining to base and opening rim. Minor firing imperfections. Nice craquelure throughout.