Lot 116
**First Time At Auction**
Southeast Asia, Indonesia, ca. 19th to 20th century CE. A striking kris and sheath adorned with repousse high-grade (98%) silver decoration of floral motifs with 6 inlaid ovoid ruby cabochons and a figural hilt depicting a seated anthropomorphic elephant figure, possibly intended as the Hindu god Ganesh. Sitting upon a silver clad plinth, Ganesh holds his trunk with both hands as an elaborate diadem crowns his head. A silver spacer disk with glass cabochons separates the blade from the hilt. The gently oscillating blade is nicely complemented by spiraling veins of nickel that accentuate its curves, as well as the decorative, zoomorphic edge near the hilt, all protected by the dark wood sheath, enveloped in ornate silver repousse of vegetal motifs and 6 prominent rubies. Size with sheath: 7.5" W x 24.75" H (19 cm x 62.9 cm); without sheath: 3.8" W x 22.4" H (9.7 cm x 56.9 cm); of blade only: 3.6" W x 17.5" H (9.1 cm x 44.4 cm)
The kris 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. Kris 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. Kris 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 kris. In 2005, the kris became a UNESCO Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
Provenance: private New Haven, Connecticut, USA collection
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#176190
- Condition: Light surface wear as shown, but otherwise intact and excellent with nice patina.
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| 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 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |