Kendi

Museum of Asian Art's Selected Collection Exhibition in conjunction with Hari Muzium Antarabangsa Kuala Lumpur 2021

Twin Mandarin Duck Kendi. Vietnamese kendi in the form of a pair of mandarin ducks with lid and knop, and a shallow carved foot. One of the head as the spout. Vietnamese ware, Circa 14-16 century.

The kendi is a well-known form in the Southeast Asian repertoire of vessels, and it has played a significant role in the rituals and daily life of the region since ancient times. Made of precious metal such as gold, silver or bronze, the kendi and its precursor, the kundika, appear in sculpture and painting as an attribute often held in a hand of the Hindu gods Brahma and Shiva, Maitreya the future Buddha and the compassionate Avalokitesvara (in Mahayana Buddhism). It was used as a ritual container for holy water, collected from sacred rivers and blessed by the gods, in the coronation ceremony of a king, who cleansed himself with the water as a symbol of purification.

Coconut Grater (Male)

Glazed Stoneware Elephant

Kendi

Brunei Malay Gantang Brass

Large Fahua Jar

Miniature Meriam

Kapitan Santan

Buddha Head

Tepak Sirih

Tempayan