Description:

Southeast Asia, Indonesia, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A beautiful ceremonial sword known as a kris (also keris). The hand-carved ivory hilt depicts an abstract, forward-leaning creature with a pointed beak, and below is a copper-silver spacer cap with intricate filigree embellishments. The forged-steel blade exhibits a straight profile with sharpened edges, a projecting hand guard with a curled tendril on one side, and a lobed graining pattern coursing down the blade faces. The sheath is comprised of an ivory guard protector, a wooden blade housing, and a copper-zinc sheath jacket bearing repeating zigzagging bands and elegant foliate motifs in repousse. Size (w/ sheath): 5.125" W x 18.7" H (13 cm x 47.5 cm); (length of blade): 14.5" L (36.8 cm)

The ivory on this item pre-dates 1900 and was acquired long before the 1970 ban on ivory trade.

Provenance: private Rochester, Michigan, USA collection

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#149399

  • Condition: Ivory guard protector is adhered to blade housing, and sheath jacket cannot be removed. Minor abrasions to blade, handle, guard protector, and sheath jacket, with softening to some repousse details, and a couple of stable fissures to guard protector. Smooth patina throughout.

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March 19, 2023 9:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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