Lot 63
Southeast Asia, Indonesia, ca. early 19th century CE. A stunning example of a kris (or keris) with a sinuous blade and an intricate sheath. The handle is comprised of finely-detailed hammered silver, shaped to resemble a mythical bird-like deity known as a Garuda, and with a faceted red glass bead in the center. The guard is a cup-shaped silver cap which separates the handle from the blade. The blade, comprised of hammered Damascan steel, has a slender and gently-tapering profile, with subtle undulations. The sheath has a top section of caramel-hued hardwood, and comprises the interior lining. The jacket, made of intricately-detailed silver, has a decorative program of low-relief floral designs on the front side, incised floral designs on the verso, and an oval-shaped bulb on the base. A gorgeous example! Size: 20.375" L (51.8 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. Krises were worn every day and in special ceremonies; both men and women wore 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 Rochester, Michigan collection
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#126801
- Condition: Handle has tarnishing, cracking, and minor areas of loss. Sheath has a light patina on wooden surfaces and tarnishing to exterior jacket. Blade has minor areas of oxidation, nicks, and chips, but overall very good.
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