Material: Copper, brass
Style: Chinese
Size: Height 21 cm, Width 18 cm, Diameter 10 cm
Order Number: MHSACT1

I got this in Sumatra. It probably belonged to a prosperous Chinese family.

The lid is a lotus bud with a band of lotus petals draping down from the top. The body, neck and gooseneck spout are all engraved. A naga appears to be disgorging the spout. The naga is the protector of springs, wells and rivers, hence bringing rain, and thus fertility.

On the side of the body are the mystical qilin. Qilin is pronounced ‘cheelin’. The qilin is sometimes called a unicorn in Chinese literature. It has a dragon’s head with one to three fleshy horns tipped with hair, a scaly body shaped like a deer, horse’s hooves, and a lion’s mane and tail. Qilin ate grass, never meat, moved regally and had a musical voice.

Qilin are one of the Four Mythical Creatures, along with the dragon, tortoise and phoenix, which together bring order to the universe. Qilin rule the west, facilitate autumn, time of maturity and fulfillment. Dragons reign over the east, influence spring by determining rainfall levels, The tortoise controls the north, initiates harsh winters and is a symbol of longevity, The phoenix controls the south and summer, represents happiness and warmth and appears only during times of peace.

19th – early 20th century.

Please ask for the price (or make an offer).

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Material: Brass
Style: Holland
Size: Height 11 cm,  20 cm (to top of handle), Diameter 15 cm, Width 22 cm (to end of spout)
Order Number: MHSADK1

In the 19th century kettles or teakettles were made out of tough materials such as brass, copper, stainless steel or cast iron. They were made to last.

This kettle of globular form has a bird-beak spot and the handle folds down for easy storage.

By the beginning of the 20th century,  kettles began to be made out of cast aluminum. In the 1920s and 1930s electric kettles became popular.

19th – early 20th century.

Please ask for the price (or make an offer).

The post Antique Dutch Kettle appeared first on Murni's in Bali.

Material: Bronze
Style: Bali, Indonesia
Size: Height 19 cm, Width 24 cm, Depth 14 cm
Order Number: MHSAHWC1

From our book Secrets of Bali:

Balinese Hinduism is called the ‘Holy Water Religion’, Agama Tirta, which indicates the centrality of holy water in the religion. It is used in every ceremony, in every ritual, and poured over every offering, every sacrifice, every building, every rice field and every person. This sacred substance cleanses, blesses and purifies. It gets rid of evil and protects. At the end of prayers, the priest pours holy water over the person’s head. There are many varieties.

This type of teapot or kettle was not used  for tea or coffee but to store holy water. It could have been used by a high priest (pedanda) to wash his hands and feet before starting a ceremony.

The spout is a cobra, naga, the protector of springs, wells and rivers, hence bringing rain, and thus fertility.

19th – early 20th century.

Please ask for the price (or make an offer).

The post Antique Holy Water Container appeared first on Murni's in Bali.