Southeast Asia, Thailand, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. This is a charming porcelain elephant form kendi or ewer with an attractive blue on white glaze. The rotund body is recumbent resting on legs tucked underneath that create a stable base. The head is slightly raised with the trunk curling upward forming the spout with an opening in the tip, and a wider a flared opening is situated on the elephant's back. The ivory white ground contrasts beautifully with the cobalt blue designs which form an elaborate howdah riding cloth and nettipattam or forehead covering. 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: 10" L x 4" W x 7.75" H (25.4 cm x 10.2 cm x 19.7 cm)
Provenance: private Lumberton, Texas, USA collection, acquired before 2010
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#169568
Condition
Stable hairline fissures around opening neck and on tusks and legs. Modern infill added to legs and tusks to reinforce these areas. Nice craquelure throughout. Felt pads added to base for stability.