花瓶 - Porcelain - China - Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) - 康熙磁器 ケンディ

Chinese blue and white ‘Lotus Scroll’ Kendi (Kundika), Kangxi Period (1662–1722)

A fine Chinese blue and white porcelain kendi (kundika) dating to the Kangxi period (1662–1722). The vessel is of classic form with a flared mouth, tall neck, rounded shoulder, side-mounted spout, globular body and circular foot. The mouth rim is finished with a brown-dressed edge, while the body is covered in a clear white glaze.

The exterior is richly painted in underglaze cobalt blue with an elegant continuous scrolling lotus design, a traditional decorative motif symbolising purity, longevity and prosperity. The confident brushwork, harmonious proportions and vibrant cobalt decoration are characteristic of fine Kangxi blue and white porcelain.

The kundika derives its name from the Sanskrit kundika. Originally used as a ritual water vessel in both Buddhist and Islamic traditions for storing and pouring water during purification ceremonies, this distinctive vessel form was introduced into China around the 5th century AD and continued to be produced throughout the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Comparable Kangxi examples are preserved in the collections of The Palace Museum, Beijing, and Guangdong Museum:

The Palace Museum (故宫博物院):
https://digicol.dpm.org.cn/cultural/detail?id=bc517bdbe297491f8c114e61ba8ad543&source=1&page=1

Guangdong Museum (广东省博物馆):
https://www.gdmuseum.org.cn/cn/col49/148968

These museum examples closely correspond in both form and decoration, supporting the attribution and dating of this vessel.

Size: Height 21.5 cm.

Condition: The mouth has an old metal-mounted rim restoration (old metal-bound repair). There is one kiln burst bubble to the body, an original firing imperfection. Otherwise, the piece presents well with no further restoration noted.