DISCOVERART

China

Buddhist Water Sprinkler (Kundika)

Tang dynasty (618–907), 7th century
Slip-coated stoneware with creme glaze
29.3 × 13.6 cm (11.5 × 5.4 in)

SEE IT IN PERSON

Not currently on view

In the collection of Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · as of July 2026

View at artic.edu ↗Plan a visit ↗

Discussion

FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

This type of vase with pouring spout and tubelike mouth at the shoulder has served several roles in Buddhist ritual: to purify a sacred space, to invoke a deity, or to anoint a worshipper. Created in bronze as well as several types of stoneware, these vessels originated in India and spread throughout East and Southeast Asia. In Chinese Buddhist art, the kundika appears primarily as an attribute of the bodhisattva Guanyin (Sanskrit: Avalokitesvara). This ceramic example may have been made primarily for burial.

Source ↗

Be the first to share your thoughts.

Sign in to join the discussion.

Community guidelines

More by China

Spinning Cloth, Preparing Tea Leaves, Preparing SilkSpinning Cloth, Preparing Tea Leaves, Preparing SilkSpinning Cloth, Preparing Tea Leaves, Preparing SilkSpinning Cloth, Preparing Tea Leaves, Preparing SilkPair of Hall ChairsPair of Hall ChairsPicturePictureSpinning Cloth, Preparing Tea Leaves, Preparing SilkSpinning Cloth, Preparing Tea Leaves, Preparing SilkCouch-BedCouch-BedDish with Peaches and BatsDish with Peaches and BatsSpinning Cloth, Preparing Tea Leaves, Preparing SilkSpinning Cloth, Preparing Tea Leaves, Preparing Silk

More like this

JarAncient Roman — JarVesselAncient Egyptian — VesselVesselAncient Egyptian — Vessel