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Water Kettle for Hand Washing
Sumatra
late 19th century
height: 21.5cm
This kettle from the Islamic matrilineal Minangkabau people of Sumatra was used
for hand washing prior to eating. The 'lid' to the base is a false lid. The actual lid
is at the top of the hollow handle. The neck (which has a repair) has a
zoomorphic quality.
Cast using the lost wax process, the body of the kettle is decorated with bands of
repeated stylised bamboo shoots (pucuk rebung) filled with floral motifs
separated by raised triangular plaques.
Pucuk rebung motifs and an identifying characteristic of Malay brassware. They
are also commonly used in Malay textile design and woodwork.
Comparable examples are in the collections of the National Museum of Singapore
and the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia.
References: Singh, B., Malay Brassware, National Museum of Singapore, 1985,
p. 24.
Inventory no.: 551
This Item is available - Ask about this item
For other examples of Malay brassware, click HERE.
Water Kettle for Hand Washing
Sumatra
late 19th century
height: 21.5cm
This kettle from the Islamic matrilineal Minangkabau people of Sumatra was used
for hand washing prior to eating. The 'lid' to the base is a false lid. The actual lid
is at the top of the hollow handle. The neck (which has a repair) has a
zoomorphic quality.
Cast using the lost wax process, the body of the kettle is decorated with bands of
repeated stylised bamboo shoots (pucuk rebung) filled with floral motifs
separated by raised triangular plaques.
Pucuk rebung motifs and an identifying characteristic of Malay brassware. They
are also commonly used in Malay textile design and woodwork.
Comparable examples are in the collections of the National Museum of Singapore
and the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia.
References: Singh, B., Malay Brassware, National Museum of Singapore, 1985,
p. 24.
Inventory no.: 551
This Item is available - Ask about this item
For other examples of Malay brassware, click HERE.
