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Water Kettle for Hand Washing
Sumatra/Malay Peninsular
circa 1900
height: 24.5 cm
This kettle, cast using the lost wax process, stands on a tall, splayed base, is decorated with bands of various simple, Islamic-inspired motifs. It has a
prominent spout with an open-work scrolling fringe, a heavy gauge handle and a cover topped with a lotus-bud finial that sits over, rather than in, the well of
the kettle. The lid is attached to the base by a chain.
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. 568
This Item is available - Ask about this item
(To see the Gallery's complete collection of Islamic and Indian ewers, click HERE.)
Water Kettle for Hand Washing
Sumatra/Malay Peninsular
circa 1900
height: 24.5 cm
This kettle, cast using the lost wax process, stands on a tall, splayed base, is decorated with bands of various simple, Islamic-inspired motifs. It has a
prominent spout with an open-work scrolling fringe, a heavy gauge handle and a cover topped with a lotus-bud finial that sits over, rather than in, the well of
the kettle. The lid is attached to the base by a chain.
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. 568
This Item is available - Ask about this item
(To see the Gallery's complete collection of Islamic and Indian ewers, click HERE.)
