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EXHIBITED
Selangor, NN Gallery, Art for Nature, 1997.

The kendi, a fascinating vessel for storing drinking water, especially holy water for rituals, is said to have originated from India and adapted in China, but prevalent in most South-east Asian countries though none can claim sole paternity. It is distinguished by the absence of a handle, so the chimney-shaped neck doubles as one. It has an oval or globular body, a chimney neck that leads to a circular flange, and a spout ending with either an attached lid, or in this case, a teat head.Its South-east Asian origins can be discerned from the designs of brownish-red sprig-and-floral motifs. Ahmad Zakii is enamored by its curious shape, which is a challenge to depict artistically, as much as by its sensuous quality, and its multipolar pedigree and history.