- Title
- 'Monk's Hat' Ewer
- Date Made
- late 19th century
- Medium
- Parcel-gilt silver repoussé
- Dimensions
- 9 3/8 x 8 3/4 x 6 1/2 in. (23.81 x 22.23 x 16.51 cm)
- Accession Number
- M.2011.157.1
- Collecting Area
- South and Southeast Asian Art
- Curatorial Notes
Known as a “Monk’s Hat” ewer (sengmaohu) on account of its similarity to the distinctive caps worn by some Tibetan Buddhist monks, this type of ewer was used to pour sanctified water into ceremonial offering bowls on Tibetan altars (see M.2011.157.4–.5). A cylindrical version was also used for ritually dispensing tea. Reportedly derived from earlier Tibetan metalware traditions, “Monk’s Hat” ewers were also fashioned in porcelain in Jingdezhen, China in the 15th century (see AC1999.38.7).
The ewer has a globular body supported by a splayed foot. It has a tall cylindrical neck surmounted by a 'monk’s cap' peaked rim with a long semicircular horizontal spout. The curved handle is in the form of a stylized dragon. The surface of the ewer is richly adorned with flowering lotus scrolls with geometric borders. The lotus scrolls are incised on the neck and executed in repoussé on the body and shoulders. The foot features complex lappets. There are two lobed cartouches on opposite sides containing narrative scenes. One depicts the Four Harmonious Animals of an elephant beneath a fruit tree with a monkey, hare, and bird standing on its back on top of each other. The scene is from a Buddhist jataka tale found originally in the Vinayavastu, which forms the first section of the Tibetan Buddhist canon, the Kanjur. The second cartouche presents the Six Symbols of Longevity from Chinese culture: the old man (Shou-lao, the Chinese god of long life), the tree, rock, water, birds, and deer.
