Less Than Perfect

Less Than Perfect

I'm a Little Teapot?

Crooked Teapot
  • Yue ware kendi
  • Glazed stoneware
  • Shang-lin hu kilns, Zhejiang Province, China
  • Song Dynasty, 10th-13th century CE
  • Plumer Collection, UMMAA 47559
Map

Temperature fluctuations in the kiln resulted in the warping of this small spouted vessel, known as a kendi. While not functional for its intended use as a container for wine, tea, or other liquid, the endearing shape of this "tipped over" vessel reveals the beauty and humor that can emerge from a failure.