Lot 119
Southeast Asia, Indonesia, ca. 19th to 20th century CE. A gorgeous dagger known as a kris or keris, boasting high-quality silver - 98% - repousse of floral and arabesque motifs that adorns the wooden sheath and hilt, as well as 14 large, inset rubies of ovoid form. The undulating blade is formed from steel with elaborate swirls of nickel that beautifully complement its elegant form. A lovely spacer bulb with 8 red glass inlays separates the elaborate hilt from the intimidating blade, which boasts an intricate, abstract shoulder. Size with sheath: 20.8" L x 6.7" W (52.8 cm x 17 cm); without sheath: 18.7" L x 3.9" W (47.5 cm x 9.9 cm); of blade only: 15" L x 3.2" W (38.1 cm x 8.1 cm); silver quality: 98%
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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#176188
- Condition: Missing one ruby inlay at bottom of hilt. Stable fissure to shoulder of wood sheath and some bending and scratches to wood and repousse. A few nicks to blade edge.
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| $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 |