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Zoomorphic Brass Water Bottle (Kendi)
Brunei/Sarawak
19th century
height: 24cm; Length: 29cm
This unusual example of Malay brassware is designed to hold and pour drinking water.
Cast using the lost wax process, it is in a form more commonly associated with Minangkabau casting from Sumatra but is decorated with lizard, dragon and scorpion
motifs which is typical of Brunei or Sarawak metal casting.
To further mix the motifs, the central tall aperature through which liquid is poured into the vessel is cast with a band of stylised triangular bamboo shoot motifs (pucuk
rebung) and other floral work more typical of Minangkabau brassware.
The vessel has a plump body with four zoomorphic feet, a bird-like head which emits water from the slightly open beak when poured, and a feather-like tail.
References: Water containers and kendis with similar motifs appear in Singh, B., Malay Brassware, National Museum of Singapore, 1985, and Islamic Arts Museum
Malaysia, The Message and the Monsoon: Islamic Art of Southeast Asia, IAMM Publications, 2005, p. 203.
Inventory no.: 632
This Item is available - Ask about this item
For more examples of Malay brassware, click here.
Zoomorphic Brass Water Bottle (Kendi)
Brunei/Sarawak
19th century
height: 24cm; Length: 29cm
This unusual example of Malay brassware is designed to hold and pour drinking water.
Cast using the lost wax process, it is in a form more commonly associated with Minangkabau casting from Sumatra but is decorated with lizard, dragon and scorpion
motifs which is typical of Brunei or Sarawak metal casting.
To further mix the motifs, the central tall aperature through which liquid is poured into the vessel is cast with a band of stylised triangular bamboo shoot motifs (pucuk
rebung) and other floral work more typical of Minangkabau brassware.
The vessel has a plump body with four zoomorphic feet, a bird-like head which emits water from the slightly open beak when poured, and a feather-like tail.
References: Water containers and kendis with similar motifs appear in Singh, B., Malay Brassware, National Museum of Singapore, 1985, and Islamic Arts Museum
Malaysia, The Message and the Monsoon: Islamic Art of Southeast Asia, IAMM Publications, 2005, p. 203.
Inventory no.: 632
This Item is available - Ask about this item
For more examples of Malay brassware, click here.
