Kundika
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Object Label
Kundika is a Sanskrit term for a long-necked water-pouring vessel. Throughout Asia these vessels were associated with wandering ascetics, who carried them like canteens. In ancient India, pouring water into the hands of another person was a way to express “your wish is granted.” Because of water’s association with wishes, purification, and nurturing, kundika often appear among the attributes of Buddhist deities such as the future Buddha Maitreya and the Bodhisattva Guanyin. In ritual, they are used to evoke those deities and to pour water for cleansing purposes.
Caption
Kundika, 12th–13th century. Cast bronze, H: 14 5/8 x W: 4 7/8 in. (37.2 x 12.4 cm) Diameter at mouth: 3/8 in. (1 cm) Diameter at base: 3 3/4 in. (9.5 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Paul E. Manheim, 74.27.
Collection
Collection
Title
Kundika
Date
12th–13th century
Dynasty
Goryeo Dynasty
Geography
Place made: Korea
Medium
Cast bronze
Classification
Dimensions
H: 14 5/8 x W: 4 7/8 in. (37.2 x 12.4 cm) Diameter at mouth: 3/8 in. (1 cm) Diameter at base: 3 3/4 in. (9.5 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Paul E. Manheim
Accession Number
74.27
Rights
Creative Commons-BY
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