Description:

Southeast Asia, Indonesia, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A fine kris (also keris) used as ceremonial attire when attending court for any number of reasons. The hand-carved wooden handle features a pair of abstract anthropomorphic maskettes along the interior curve, and beneath is a brass spacer cup adorned with dozens of petite granules. The forged-iron blade exhibits a slightly undulating profile, a protruding shoulder with an intricate periphery, and ribbons of lighter material integral within the steel matrix. Brilliant pigments adorn the sheath's shoulder and central rib, featuring meticulously painted phytomorphic patterns with a pair of deity faces on the guard protector. The remainder of the sheath is enveloped in a lustrous gold covering with repousse floral motifs on one side. Size with sheath: 19.4" L x 6.7" W (49.3 cm x 17 cm); without sheath: 17.5" L x 4" W (44.4 cm x 10.2 cm); of blade only: 13.7" L x 3.1" W (34.8 cm x 7.9 cm); gold quality: 58% (equivalent to over 13 karats)

Provenance: private New Haven, Connecticut, USA collection

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#176162

  • Condition: Shoulder is loose and sheath has a small tear, as well as some indentations in areas. Otherwise, intact and excellent with nice pigments, good repousse detail, and light patina.

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June 15, 2023 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
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