Ming Period Vietnamese Blue & White Porcelain Kendi W/Silver Rim Mammary Spout- This piece is an antique, Vietnamese porcelain kendi (pouring vessel). The vessel is of typical globular form with a bulbous spout and flaring neck ending in a inverted rim. The vessel is elaborately decorated in underglaze blue with a floral theme, and the mammary spout is finished with a silver rim. The kendi has played a significant role in the rituals and daily life of the Southeast Asian cultures since ancient times. Kendi appear in sculpture and painting as an attribute often held in a hand of the Hindu gods Brahma and Shiva, as well as others. It was used as a ritual container for holy water, collected from sacred rivers and blessed by the gods, in the coronation ceremony of a king, who cleansed himself with the water as a symbol of purification. This piece is in stunning condition, and measures 8.5"H x 18" in circumference.