Lot 65
Southeast Asia, Indonesia, ca. early to mid 19th century CE. A striking example of a kris (keris) with a gorgeous carved dark wood handle. The handle is rounded at the top with facets down each sides as well as two highly-detailed and openwork incised faces, one near the top and one near the bottom. A half-globe guard disc slotted with eight cut glass beads separates the handle from the blade. The blade is straight and narrow, aside from the characteristic flaring portion immediately below the guard. The sheath, comprised of caramel-hued hardwood, has an intricate hammered metal sheath covering the bottom portion. Size with sheath: 18.25" L (46.4 cm); length of blade: 12.75" L (32.4 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. 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 Rochester, Michigan, USA collection
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#126811
- Condition: Comes in a protective velvet case. Sheath surface has minor tarnishing and dents, and metal jacket is removable. The handle has a light patina. The blade has minor losses to edges commensurate with age and use.
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