Kendi in the shape of a frog/toad, Ming dynasty (1368-1644), NO 01707. © 2025 Princessehof Ceramics Museum

Kendi, a vessel shaped like a toad with a straight, tapered neck on its back. A short, cylindrical spout forms the toad's mouth. At the bottom of the kendi, two tiger lily-like bands extend across the back, extending above the eye. Four symmetrical tendrils extend from the neck. A flowering prunes adorn the neck. The collar features four alternating identical symbols, each surrounded by four dots. The decoration is executed in underglaze blue. Kendi were popular exports for the Southeast Asian market. The form likely originated in India, where metal kundika versions were used in Buddhist and Hindu rituals. Through these religions, this form spread to Southeast Asia. They were used in the region both in rituals and in daily life for drinking water.

Kendi in the shape of two mandarin ducks, Ming dynasty (1368-1644), NO 01287. © 2025 Princessehof Ceramics Museum

The handle is shaped like a lotus flower.

Kendi in the shape of a pomegranate with decoration of compartments with floral tendrils, Ming dynasty (1368-1644), NO 00860. © 2025 Princessehof Ceramics Museum

Kendi with dragon decoration in relief, Ming dynasty (1368-1644), GRV 1929-161. © 2025 Princessehof Ceramics Museum

Kendi with decoration of compartments containing plants or symbols, the neck with pointed leaf motifs, Ming dynasty (1368-1644), GRV 1929-323. © 2025 Princessehof Ceramics Museum

Kendi with decoration of a bird on a rock and flower vines, Ming dynasty (1368-1644), GRV 1929-325. © 2025 Princessehof Ceramics Museum

Kendi with decoration of compartments with floral tendrils or bird on a branch, Ming dynasty (1368-1644), GRV 1929-326. © 2025 Princessehof Ceramics Museum

Kendi with decoration of continuous tendrils along the belly, Ming dynasty (1368-1644), GRV 1929-327. © 2025 Princessehof Ceramics Museum

Kendi with dragon decoration in relief, Fujian, Ming dynasty (1368-1644), GRV 1950-137. © 2025 Princessehof Ceramics Museum