Description:

Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Madura, ca. early to mid 20th century CE. A stunning example of a personal ceremonial sword known as a kris (keris), this style in particular known as a "Keris Pusaka Madura" (Heirloom Kris from Madura). The Donoriko-style manatee-bone hilt is of a characteristic Madura style depicting an abstract, foliate-adorned figure with a massive head, and below is a separate copper spacer bulb inset with several red, white, and green stone cabochons. The forged-iron blade has a gentle wave-form profile, a projecting hand guard, and applied gilding (95%) along the blade and upper body depicting a pair of Naga serpents. The wooden sheath body is capped on either end with carved bone adornments and wrapped with a removable silver-copper jacket boasting attractive linear and foliate motifs. A wonderful example of ceremonial weaponry from Indonesia! Size (w/ sheath): 6.5" W x 21.125" H (38.1 cm x 16.5 cm x 53.7 cm); length of blade: 15" L (38.1 cm); quality of gilding: 95%.

Provenance: private Rochester, Michigan, USA collection; ex-Sotheby's, Summers Place auction (April 13, 1999, lot 15)

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#137940

  • Condition: Sheath jacket is removable. Spacer bulb is loose on tang. Repairs to shoulder guard of sheath. Minor abrasions to blade, sheath, and gilding. Light earthen deposits and great patina throughout.

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August 6, 2019 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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