Description:

Southeast Asia, Indonesia, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A gorgeous example of a kris (also keris), a personal dagger of ceremonial and spiritual importance. The hand-carved wooden handle has a bulbous form with a pair of abstract anthropomorphic maskettes along the interior curve, and a brass spacer disc is set with six faceted zircon stones. The forged-steel blade has a sinuous design that displays the gilt serpentine tail of a winged elephantine creature near the projecting hand guard. The caramel-hued wooden sheath is composed of three separate parts that are affixed with a form-fitting silver (92%) jacket boasting intricate foliate motifs in repousse. Size (w/ sheath): 7.2" W x 21.1" H (18.3 cm x 53.6 cm); (length of blade): 15.6" L (39.6 cm); quality of silver: 92%.

Provenance: private Rochester, Michigan, USA collection

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#149475

  • Condition: Sheath components reattached, with small losses near lower tip, and light adhesive residue along break lines. Minor nicks to blade and sheath, with abrasions to some gilded areas, and light softening to some finer details. Wonderful patina throughout.

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May 7, 2020 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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