Description:

Indonesia, ca. early 19th century CE. This is a keris (kris), with a narrow blade and an intricately carved handle and sheath. The handle is shaped like an animal's head and has a floral design. The keris is both a weapon and a spiritual object. The oldest known are from the 10th century CE; they are thought to have originated on the island of Java. The bladesmith, called an empu, formed the blade from layers of different iron ores and meteorite nickel. In high quality ones, the metal is folded dozens or even hundreds of times. Keris were worn every day and in special ceremonies; both men and women wear them. They were passed down through families. They were used for display, as talismans with magical powers, and weapons, and as heirlooms, as accessories for ceremonial dress, and indicators of social status. Keris blades are narrow, with wide, symmetrical bases. The aesthetic value has three elements: dhapur, the shape and design of the blade, with 40 variants; pamor, the pattern of metal alloy decoration on the blade, with 120 variants; and tangguh, the age and origin of keris. In 2005, the keris became a UNESCO Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. The backing for the piece is an old piece of unfinished wood carved in low relief with scenes of different animals. Size of kris: 18.2" L x 6.6" W (46.2 cm x 16.8 cm); Size of frame: 23.25" L x 9.5" W (59.1 cm x 24.1 cm)

Provenance: Ex-Haig collection, Minnesota

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#117081

  • Condition: Slight nicks and chips to the wood; the blade is nicely shaped and has some corrosion; the frame has wear as shown but most of the animal carvings are clear.

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November 17, 2016 7:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000