Buddhist Ritual Water Bottle, c. 750
Unknown artist, Chinaexpand_more
Bronzeexpand_more
Gift of Ruth and Bruce Daytonexpand_more 2002.90.7
On View in Gallery 214expand_more
Known as a kundi or kundika in Sanskrit, this uniquely shaped vessel was used during Buddhist rituals to sprinkle water for purification purposes. It was a standard ceremonial object and, along with the alms bowl, was considered a monk's necessity. The vessel type, originally imported from India during the early Tang dynasty, was usually made of metal; but by the early Song, stoneware versions had become the norm. A tall, slender neck of classic form with an ovoid body surmounts this elegant bottle with a disk-shaped flange below a narrow, tapered spout. A second spout rises from the shoulder capped by a cup-shaped mouth with flat-hinged cover. A similar water bottle was discovered on the Western Mountain in the tomb of the monk, Shen Hui, at Longmen near Luoyang in Henan province.
Details
- Title
- Buddhist Ritual Water Bottle
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2002.90.7
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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