Object Description
Ming c1620 Blue and White Kraak Kendi painted in panels of various groups of auspicious flowers including a group of aquatic plants with lotus and lily and another with Chrysanthemums and peonies.
kendis are originally water vessels and the name is derived from the Indian word ‘kundika’. They are extremely popular throughout southeast Asia and the Middle East
Although originally they were primarily a drinking vessel with the popularity of tobacco and its widespread use in the Middle East from the start of the 17th century the Persians imported them in large numbers where they were used as ‘nargileh’ or water pipes
Unusual decoration with flowers in the panels an excellent example of a Ming Kraak Kendi