This porcelain kendi is decorated in the Imari style, painted with floral sprays. Japanese porcelain in the Imari style had a great impact on European ceramics. Imari porcelain was produced in the area of Arita in present-day Saga prefecture on Kyushu Island and derived its name from the port from where it was shipped. The range of enamels used on Imari wares is fairly wide but generally consists of blue, red and gold. The colours and patterns of Imari wares were reproduced by European porcelain factories, highlighting the popularity of Japanese designs with European customers in the 18th century.Kendi is a Malay term derived from the Sanskrit word ‘kundika’, a ritual pouring vessel. A typical kendi has a bulbous body, a neck which is used for holding the vessel and a spout. Many forms of kendi were probably inspired by metal prototypes. The tradition of using kendi in Hindu-Buddhist rituals suggests that this type of vessel originated from India. Kendi have been used in Southeast Asia for at least a thousand years, as indicated by depictions on temple wall reliefs dating back to 9th century CE. They include locally made earthenware kendi as well as glazed wares from China, Japan, Thailand and Vietnam. These were part of the lively international trade in ceramics and other commodities that resulted in stylistic exchanges. Kendi were used for a wide range of purposes in addition to their primary function as a pouring and drinking container. In Southeast Asia, kendi were important as ritual pouring vessels used in weddings and other ceremonies. Miniature kendi were likely to have been medicine containers or toys. The West Asian tradition of tobacco smoking using water-pipes was also practiced in this region and kendi were adapted for this purpose.
