Page 121 - Chinese and Asian Ceramics from an Indonesian Collection

Ceramics from the Musi River

Figure 203. Miniature ‘Lampung ware’ kendis and a kundika, heights 5.6–11.7 cm, from the Musi River, Sungai Rebo (2), Pusri,
Sungai Bunut sites. Catalogue Nos. a) K754, b)K1575, c) K1303, d) K1114, e) K749, f) K717, g) K1584, h) K757, i)
K873, j) K756, k) K872.

decoration (Figure 197 ). One very large kendi (34.5 other more complex forms from Lampung were not
cm high) had its two spouts reduced to decorative horn- seen in the Musi. The most complex of these were
like protuberances on the neck; it was filled through from Kecamatan Menggala in Lampung District, South
a moderate hole in the upper neck (K2343). A single Sumatra, which were beautifully decorated with both
kendi with five interconnected spouts was collected applied ridges and incised and punctate patterns.
(Figure 200 ). It is speculated that these kendis were Others from Lampung had ribbed bodies with punctate
made by Lampung people in the region juxtaposed to decoration on one horn and covered with an orange
the upper reaches of the Komering River around the slip (K97). A different form was produced in Bukit
time Sriwijaya attained its peak power, which extended Tinggi, West Sumatra (K2677, K120). All had large foot
to Palas Pasemah in the Lampung District. They could rings with recessed bases, except for K97 which had a
have been transported along the Komering River, first small foot and a flat base. They were collected during
to the Sungai Rebo sites and then on to Palembang. 1990s, most were family heirlooms and were still used
This likely occurred prior to the import of glazed vessels for ceremonial purposes (Figure 198).
from China and unglazed or slipped fine earthen wares Bottle kendis of various forms were common in
from the east coast of Peninsula Thailand, beginning Indonesia, Changmai District of Thailand and Malaya.
around the 10th century. They could also be more recent Some from the Musi were simple, relatively crude forms
as such kendis were used in ceremonial events into the (K876, K999, K1870), similar to those found in Java. But
modern period. one (K2655) was similar to two from nearby Lampung
There was a long tradition of two spouted kendis District and from Banda Aceh, Sumatra (which also had
in Sumatra. While forms very similar to those found in punctate decoration in addition to incised and carved),
the Musi were known from Lampung, South Sumatra,

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