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Water Kettle for Hand Washing
Sumatra/Malay Peninsular
late 19th century
height: 27 cm
This kettle, cast using the lost wax process, stands on a tall, splayed open-work base, and is decorated with bands of stylised triangular bamboo shoot (pucuk
rebung) motifs, these being identifying characteristics of Malay brassware but which are also commonly used in Malay textile design and woodwork.
It has a prominent spout with an open-work scrolling fringe (some probable loss), a heavy gauge handle and a cover topped with a lotus-bud finial that sits
over, rather than in, the well of the kettle.
Malays did not use eating implements but ate with their right hands only. This type of kettle was used not for tea or coffee but to store cold water that was used
to wash the right hand after eating. The left hand was used to hold the kettle by the handle and the kettle was then tipped to pour water over the right hand,
the water splashing into a basin or onto the ground if eating outside.
In the past, Malays tended to eat sitting on the floor or ground, so the kettle is designed to stand on the floor, hence its sizeable and solid base to give it
elevation.
Inventory no.: 327
This Item is available - Ask about this item
Click here to see the Gallery's complete collection of Islamic and Indian ewers.
Click here to see more examples of Malay brassware.
Water Kettle for Hand Washing
Sumatra/Malay Peninsular
late 19th century
height: 27 cm
This kettle, cast using the lost wax process, stands on a tall, splayed open-work base, and is decorated with bands of stylised triangular bamboo shoot (pucuk
rebung) motifs, these being identifying characteristics of Malay brassware but which are also commonly used in Malay textile design and woodwork.
It has a prominent spout with an open-work scrolling fringe (some probable loss), a heavy gauge handle and a cover topped with a lotus-bud finial that sits
over, rather than in, the well of the kettle.
Malays did not use eating implements but ate with their right hands only. This type of kettle was used not for tea or coffee but to store cold water that was used
to wash the right hand after eating. The left hand was used to hold the kettle by the handle and the kettle was then tipped to pour water over the right hand,
the water splashing into a basin or onto the ground if eating outside.
In the past, Malays tended to eat sitting on the floor or ground, so the kettle is designed to stand on the floor, hence its sizeable and solid base to give it
elevation.
Inventory no.: 327
This Item is available - Ask about this item
Click here to see the Gallery's complete collection of Islamic and Indian ewers.
Click here to see more examples of Malay brassware.
