This earthenware water vessel derives its shape from the gourd, a fleshy fruit of a creeping vine that since ancient times was hollowed out and dried for use as a water container. It has a compressed lobed body and decorated with incised geometric motif. The silver stopper has openwork floral scrolls motif and suggests that it was made for people of considerable means.Malay pottery was traditionally hand-moulded without the use of a potter’s wheel. They consist mainly of household utensils such as cooking pots, dishes, storage vessels for water and incense braziers. Many take their shapes from natural forms such as fruit or vegetables. They are decorated with stamped or incised floral and geometric motifs.
